(a) Potassium sulfate (K2SO4, CAS Reg. No. 7778-80-5) occurs naturally and consists of colorless or white crystals or crystalline powder having a bitter, saline taste. It is prepared by the neutralization of sulfuric acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

(b) The ingredient meets the specifications of the “Food Chemicals Codex,” 3d Ed. (1981), p. 252, which is incorporated by reference. Copies may be obtained from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20418, or may be examined 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) The ingredient is used as a flavoring agent and adjuvant as defined in §170.3(o)(12) of this chapter.

(d) The ingredient is used in food at levels not to exceed good manufacturing practice in accordance with §184.1(b)(1). Current good manufacturing practice results in a maximum level, as served, of 0.015 percent for nonalcoholic beverages as defined in §170.3(n)(3) of this chapter.

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

[45 FR 6086, Jan. 25, 1980, as amended at 49 FR 5613, Feb. 14, 1984]