Phosphates (E 338-E 452)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Phosphates (E 338–341, E 343 and E 450–452) are a group made up of phosphoric acid and its salts, used as acidity regulators, emulsifying salts, leavening agents and moisture binders. They are found in foods such as processed cheese, processed meats, baked goods and soft drinks. For phosphoric acid in soft drinks, see our phosphoric acid guide.

Also listed on labels as: Phosphoric acid and phosphates, Sodium phosphates, Potassium phosphates, Calcium phosphates, Diphosphates, Triphosphates, Polyphosphates, E338-E341, E343, E450-E452

What do regulators say?

• EU: EFSA re-evaluated phosphoric acid and phosphates (E 338–341, E 343, E 450–452) as food additives in 2019 (doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5674, checked 2026-10-19).
• US: several individual phosphates are listed as GRAS, for example disodium phosphate (21 CFR 182.6290) and sodium phosphate (21 CFR 182.6778) (eCFR, checked 2026-10-19).

Published research: what individual studies found

These are findings from individual published studies and food-safety agency opinions, credited to each paper. Each one is labeled by type of evidence. They do not change any verdict, evidence grade or score on this site.

Evidence type: EFSA re-evaluation (exposure assessment)

• EFSA (2019) estimated that, in a scenario based on measured levels in foods, phosphate intake from food additives may exceed the ADI (40 mg/kg bw/day) for infants, toddlers and other children at average intake, and for infants through adolescents at the 95th percentile (high consumers). This is a modeled estimate, not measured intake or observed harm.
• About the ADI: An ADI is a safety benchmark with a built-in margin. An estimate above it is not a measured intake and doesn't mean harm has occurred.
• Source: EFSA FAF/ANS Panel, EFSA J, 2019 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5674

For information only, not medical advice. Studies are cited to their authors' published papers; the researchers aren't affiliated with and don't endorse Let Me Scan That or any product. A study link doesn't mean an ingredient causes harm. Report an error

Related guides

• Phosphoric Acid and Phosphate Additives
• Sodium Aluminum Phosphate (SALP)

Sources

1. EFSA FAF Panel, Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid-phosphates (E 338-341, E 343, E 450-452), EFSA J, 2019. Link
2. eCFR, 21 CFR 182.6290 Disodium phosphate. Link
3. eCFR, 21 CFR 182.6778 Sodium phosphate. Link

This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.