# Zinc Sulfate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 7446-20-0
**Category:** nutrient
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound used as a nutrient supplement and processing aid in food production. It provides bioavailable zinc, an essential mineral required for immune function, protein synthesis, and enzymatic processes in the human body.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Zinc Sulfate?

Zinc sulfate (CAS Number 7446-20-0) is an inorganic salt composed of zinc and sulfate ions. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. In food applications, zinc sulfate serves as a source of elemental zinc, delivering this essential micronutrient to fortified food products. The compound is chemically stable and maintains its nutritional value when incorporated into various food matrices.

## Common Uses

Zinc sulfate functions primarily as a nutrient supplement in food fortification programs. It is added to grain products, cereals, flour, and other staple foods to address zinc deficiency in populations where dietary intake may be inadequate. The compound also serves as a malting or fermenting aid in brewing and fermentation processes, where it supports yeast metabolism and fermentation efficiency. Food manufacturers select zinc sulfate for fortification due to its bioavailability, cost-effectiveness, and stability in food systems.

## Safety Assessment

Zinc sulfate has an established safety profile when used at appropriate levels in food. The FDA has not designated it as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), though this classification does not indicate a safety concern but rather reflects the regulatory pathway and review status. No adverse events related to zinc sulfate consumption from fortified foods have been reported to the FDA, and no recalls involving this additive have been issued.

The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for zinc in adults is 40 mg per day, established by the National Institutes of Health and the EFSA. Food fortification with zinc sulfate is designed to supplement dietary intake without exceeding these safety thresholds. Acute toxicity from food-grade zinc sulfate is extremely low; toxicity concerns are associated with extremely high doses far exceeding normal consumption levels.

Individuals with specific zinc metabolism disorders or those taking certain medications that affect zinc absorption should consult healthcare providers, though this is not specific to zinc sulfate as a food additive but rather relates to zinc intake generally.

## Regulatory Status

Zinc sulfate is authorized for use in food fortification in many countries, including the United States, European Union, and Canada. In the U.S., it appears in the FDA's list of acceptable nutrients for food fortification. The European Food Safety Authority has evaluated zinc compounds used in food fortification and established safety parameters for their use. International Codex Alimentarius standards permit zinc sulfate in fortified foods at levels consistent with nutritional requirements and safety margins.

The compound is also permitted in animal feed applications as a nutritional supplement, further demonstrating its recognized safety when used appropriately.

## Key Studies

Nutritional research has established zinc sulfate's bioavailability in human subjects. Studies comparing various zinc compounds for fortification applications have shown zinc sulfate to be efficiently absorbed and utilized by the body. Research on grain fortification programs utilizing zinc sulfate has documented significant improvements in zinc status among populations in developing regions.

The WHO and FAD have supported zinc fortification initiatives using zinc sulfate as part of comprehensive strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies. Stability studies of fortified foods containing zinc sulfate demonstrate the compound's consistency and effectiveness throughout product shelf life under standard storage conditions.

## Brands using Zinc Sulfate

- Abbott (21 products)
- Enfamil (11 products)
- Abbott Nutrition (9 products)
- Gerber (6 products)
- Abbott Laboratories Inc (5 products)
- Earth's Best (4 products)
- Bobbie (2 products)
- Bristol-Myers Squibb/Mead Johnson Nutritionals (2 products)
- Bubs (2 products)
- Harvest Hill Beverage Company (2 products)
- Kendamil (2 products)
- Nutricia (2 products)
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. (2 products)
- bai (2 products)
- BYHEART (1 product)
- Carol Cole Company (1 product)
- DrBrowns (1 product)
- Ensure (1 product)
- H E Butt Grocery Company (1 product)
- Happybaby (1 product)
- Hershey's (1 product)
- Hy-Vee, Inc. (1 product)
- Kabrita (1 product)
- Kirkland Signature (1 product)
- Nestle USA Inc. (1 product)
- Nestlé (1 product)
- SOS hydration Inc (1 product)
- Similac (1 product)
- The LIV Group Inc. (1 product)
- Tops Markets, LLC (1 product)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Zinc Sulfate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/zinc-sulfate. Accessed 2026-05-20.