(a) Potassium acid tartrate (C4H5KO6, CAS Reg. No. 868-14-4) is the potassium acid salt of l−(+)−tartaric acid and is also called potassium bitartrate or cream of tartar. It occurs as colorless or slightly opaque crystals or as a white, crystalline powder. It has a pleasant, acid taste. It is obtained as a byproduct of wine manufacture.

(b) The ingredient meets the specifications of the Food Chemicals Codex, 3d Ed. (1981), P. 238, which is incorporated by reference. Copies are available from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20418, or available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal__register/code__of__federal__regulations/ibr__locations.html.

(c) In accordance with §184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. The affirmation of this ingredient as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient is based upon the following current good manufacturing practice conditions of use:

(1) The ingredient is used as an anticaking agent as defined in §170.3(o)(1) of this chapter; an antimicrobial agent as defined in §170.3(o)(2) of this chapter; a formulation aid as defined in §170.3(o)(14) of this chapter; a humectant as defined in §170.3(o)(16) of this chapter; a leavening agent as defined in §170.3(o)(17) of this chapter; A pH control agent as defined in §170.3(o)(23) of this chapter; a processing aid as defined in §170.3(o)(24) of this chapter; a stabilizer and thickener as defined in §170.3(o)(28) of this chapter; and a surface-active agent as defined in §170.3(o)(29) of this chapter.

(2) The ingredient is used in the following foods at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practice: baked goods as defined in §170.3(n)(1) of this chapter; confections and frostings as defined in §170.3(n)(9) of this chapter; gelatins and puddings as defined in §170.3(n)(22) of this chapter; hard candy as defined in §170.3(n)(25) of this chapter; jams and jellies as defined in §170.3(n)(28) of this chapter; and soft candy as defined in §170.3(n)(38) of this chapter.

(d) Prior sanctions for this ingredient different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.

[48 FR 52446, Nov. 18, 1983]