Phosphates
E338–E343, E451–E452
E338, E339, E340, E341, E342, E343, E451, E452, phosphoric acid, phosphates, sodium phosphates, potassium phosphates, calcium phosphates, ammonium phosphates, magnesium phosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates
What it is
Phosphates are a family of food additives derived from phosphoric acid. They are used for different technical purposes, including controlling acidity, stabilising foods, retaining moisture and helping control texture. This group includes phosphates, triphosphates and polyphosphates, but not E450 diphosphates, which BOTIA treats separately.
Why BOTIA flags it
BOTIA groups these phosphate additives because they can appear on labels under several E-numbers and different names. They are used for different technical functions, so BOTIA shows the specific phosphate declared on the label and its E-number context.
BOTIA CAN
- Detect the listed E-numbers and common phosphate, triphosphate and polyphosphate declarations.
- Show the texture/E-number context and distinguish the ingredient declaration from an exposure assessment.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Calculate total phosphorus or phosphate intake from the ingredient list.
- Assume that every food containing an authorised phosphate presents the same exposure or risk.