Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormCrystalline powder or granules
Industry PositionFood additive (acidity regulator)
Market
DL-malic acid (INS 296; E296) is a globally traded food acidulant used primarily as an acidity regulator and flavouring agent across multiple processed food and beverage categories permitted under Codex GSFA provisions. Commercial supply is industrial and relatively concentrated in a limited set of large organic-acid producers, including integrated production in North America (Canada) and Europe (Italy), alongside manufacturing in East Asia. Market access is strongly shaped by compliance with Codex/JECFA identity and purity specifications (e.g., assay and impurity limits) and consistent physical form (powder vs. granulation) for handling and dosing. In customs data, malic acid is commonly classified within HS 291819 (“other” hydroxycarboxylic acids) and, in some jurisdictions, mapped to more specific national tariff lines for malic acid.
Market GrowthGrowing (medium-term industry outlook)capacity expansion announcements and broadening downstream application demand in food and beverage
Major Producing Countries- 캐나다Home to a major dedicated malic acid producer supplying global customers (industry-claimed largest producer).
- 이탈리아European producer manufacturing malic acid via hydration of maleic anhydride, with listed production site in Scanzorosciate.
- 중국Industrial production evidenced by certified product listings for DL-malic acid from Chinese manufacturers in third-party registries.
Major Exporting Countries- 캐나다Export-oriented supply via global distributor networks (producer-reported).
- 이탈리아European-origin supply from integrated maleic-anhydride producers.
- 중국Export supply base for DL-malic acid reflected in international certification/product registry entries.
Specification
Major VarietiesDL-malic acid (racemic mixture), L-malic acid (enantiomer; sometimes specified separately depending on application)
Physical Attributes- White or nearly white crystalline powder or granules
- Very soluble in water; freely soluble in ethanol
- Melting range for DL-malic acid: 127–132°C
Compositional Metrics- Assay: not less than 99.0% (JECFA specification)
- Sulfated ash: not more than 0.1% (JECFA specification)
- Fumaric acid: not more than 1.0% and maleic acid: not more than 0.05% (JECFA specification)
- Lead: not more than 2 mg/kg (JECFA specification)
Grades- Food additive grade meeting JECFA identity and purity specifications
- Applications governed by Codex GSFA provisions under GMP in listed food categories
ProcessingUsed as an acidity regulator and flavouring agent; also listed as a sequestrant functional class in Codex GSFASold in multiple physical formats (e.g., granular vs. powder) to support dosing and handling needs
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Upstream maleic anhydride supply (petrochemical intermediate) -> hydration to malic acid -> purification/crystallization -> drying and sizing (powder/granular) -> quality testing against JECFA/Codex-aligned specifications -> packaging -> distribution to food and beverage manufacturers
Demand Drivers- Codex GSFA-permitted use as an acidity regulator (and functional class sequestrant) across multiple food categories under GMP
- Demand from beverages and other formulated foods where persistent sourness/pH adjustment is needed
Risks
Supply Concentration HighGlobal food-grade DL-malic acid availability can be disrupted because supply is relatively concentrated among a limited set of large industrial producers and integrated upstream feedstocks; major plant outages, regulatory stoppages, or logistics disruptions can tighten supply quickly.Maintain qualified multi-sourcing across regions, approve alternate physical forms (powder/granular) where feasible, and contract buffer inventory with distributors for critical formulations.
Feedstock and Energy MediumWhere malic acid is manufactured via hydration of maleic anhydride, price and availability can be indirectly exposed to upstream petrochemical feedstock and energy market volatility.Track maleic anhydride/energy cost indicators in procurement, and consider hedging or longer-term supply agreements with cost-index transparency where possible.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-conformance with identity/purity specifications (e.g., assay minimums and impurity limits such as maleic/fumaric acids and lead) can lead to rejection in food ingredient supply chains and trigger recalls or border holds depending on destination rules.Require current CoA aligned to JECFA specifications, verify lots via incoming QC testing for key impurities, and audit supplier quality systems.
Market Access and Labeling LowApplications may require clear labeling/grade differentiation (e.g., DL vs. L form) in regulated uses such as oenological applications and certain food categories with notes/conditions in Codex provisions.Specify the intended isomer/form in purchase specs and ensure documentation matches destination-market requirements (Codex/EU and sector-specific codes such as OIV for wine uses).
Sustainability- Feedstock and energy footprint sensitivity due to common industrial integration with maleic anhydride (petrochemical) supply chains
- Waste and emissions management typical of large-scale organic-acid chemical manufacturing (site-specific controls vary)
Labor & Social- Industrial chemical manufacturing process safety and occupational exposure controls (corrosive/irritant handling contexts)
- Supplier-audit expectations for food ingredient traceability, quality systems, and compliance documentation
FAQ
What is DL-malic acid used for in foods?DL-malic acid is used mainly as an acidity regulator and flavouring agent to adjust sourness and pH in formulated foods and drinks, and it is also listed as a sequestrant functional class in Codex GSFA.
Which international standards define food-grade DL-malic acid quality?Food-grade DL-malic acid is defined by international identity and purity specifications set by FAO/WHO JECFA, and its permitted uses across food categories are listed in the Codex GSFA Online database.
What key purity limits are commonly referenced for DL-malic acid in trade specifications?JECFA specifications include a minimum assay of 99.0% and limits on sulfated ash (≤0.1%), fumaric acid (≤1.0%), maleic acid (≤0.05%), and lead (≤2 mg/kg), which buyers often use as baseline acceptance criteria.