quantum satis
The quantity quantum satis ( Latin for “as much as necessary”, “sufficient amount”), qs or Qs for short , is mainly used in pharmacy , but also in food law . It means that no maximum amount is prescribed.
pharmacy
Substances that are marked with this quantity are always auxiliary substances , never active substances . The minimum amount required for the respective recipe is used. For example, if a substance is to be processed in solution, as much solvent is added gradually as is necessary for complete dissolution.
Food law
The abbreviation is also used in food legislation as a quantitative indication food additives used is not set numerically for the maximum amount. This often applies to substances with practically unlimited compatibility (such as completely digestible substances).
The quantum satis in no way means "as much as you want". For example, for the European Union this maximum is defined by regulation as the restriction of the use of a food additive to what
- is required in accordance with good manufacturing practice to achieve the desired technical effect, and
- does not mislead consumers.
This is referred to in the German Additive Admissions Ordinance , which already understood this almost word for word in its 1998 version.