Quantum satis
Quantum satis is a Latin term meaning the amount which is enough. It has its origins as a quantity specification in medicine and pharmacology, where a similar term quantum sufficit has been used. Quantum satis is also used in the same function in food regulations and food safety laws in the European Community.
The specification of quantum satis for an ingredient essentially means "Add as much of this ingredient as is needed to achieve the desired result, but not more."
In food safety regulations in the EU it is a catch-all restriction for artificial food ingredients which are harmless enough to have no specific quantity restriction.
It serves to protect consumers from the addition of excessive and unnecessary amounts of such artificial food additives in their foodstuffs and compels producers to:
- Introduce minimal additives to food for human consumption
- Observe Good Manufacturing Practice
- Refrain from wilful consumer deception