E338 / Antioxidants & acidity regulators
Orthophosphoric acid
Safety in brief
Safe in moderation
Recorded EatMatrix rating, not a new clinical review. The amount, your sensitivities and country rules still matter.
- Watch for
- No allergen or sensitivity is recorded for this ingredient here. Check the whole product label; this is not an allergen-free guarantee.
- Selected research
- Higher estimated intake of additive-origin phosphoric acid was associated with more new type 2 diabetes diagnoses. This substance is named in the abstract's list of associations retained after adjustment for multiple tests. An association does not prove that it caused diabetes. Study details and limits.
- Our advice
- This result concerns phosphoric acid as an additive, rather than every dietary phosphate. The study does not identify a safe threshold for a particular drink or person.
What it is
Orthophosphoric (phosphoric) acid (H3PO4) is a mineral acid used as an acidulant/acidifier and sequestrant in foods and beverages (notably colas). EFSA (2019) set a group ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day expressed as phosphorus for phosphates (E338–E341, E343, E450–E452). Typical uses are permitted with maximum levels; high intake can approach/exceed the ADI, especially in children and in diets high in phosphate additives.
Also appears on labels as: Orthophosphoric acid, Phosphoric acid, E338, E 338, E-338, INS 338, Acide phosphorique, Ácido fosfórico, Säure Phosphorsäure, Food acid 338, Additive E338, Phosphoric(V) acid.
Dietary information
- Vegan
- Yes
- Halal
- Yes
- Gluten-free
- Yes
- Allergens
- None recorded
Recorded ingredient information. Check the product label or certification: sources, other ingredients and cross-contact can vary.
Research & body effects
What selected 2026 human research means for E338
Type 2 diabetes: what was found
Higher estimated intake of additive-origin phosphoric acid was associated with more new type 2 diabetes diagnoses. This substance is named in the abstract's list of associations retained after adjustment for multiple tests. An association does not prove that it caused diabetes.
The French NutriNet-Santé analysis included 108,723 people and 1,131 new diagnoses, with a median follow-up of 8.05 years. Diets were recorded repeatedly, including food brands. Researchers estimated additive intake and adjusted for factors such as diet, body size and smoking. They did not randomly assign people to eat this additive.
EatMatrix’s reading
This result concerns phosphoric acid as an additive, rather than every dietary phosphate. The study does not identify a safe threshold for a particular drink or person.
These findings deserve follow-up. Estimated intake, other features of the foods people ate and differences between volunteers can still influence the results. Most participants were women; the results may not transfer directly to children or every country. A proposed mechanism from cells or animals is not a demonstrated mechanism in people eating ordinary food.
A useful next step when choosing food
Compare the whole food: its ingredients, fibre, salt, free sugars, saturated fat and how often you eat it. Choose a varied pattern with more minimally processed foods where practical. Removing one E number alone has not been shown by these studies to prevent diabetes or heart disease.
Selected abstract, main-text methods/results and funding checked . Funders include European and French public research bodies; the authors declare no competing interests. Supplementary tables could not be inspected here, so individual corrected estimates are not reproduced. Indexed records showed no linked correction or retraction in this check; that is not proof none exists. This is a selected editorial review, not a complete clinical or current-country-use assessment. It does not change EatMatrix’s recorded rating or country permissions.
Selected research on E338
How to read study types- Observational studyPreservatives and type 2 diabetes in 108,723 French participants
Higher additive-origin phosphoric acid intake was linked to new type 2 diabetes in a French cohort. It is one of 12 associations retained after multiple-test adjustment. Diet was observed, not assigned; this does not show causation.
- Regulator reviewEFSA re-evaluation of phosphoric acid and phosphates
Set a group safe daily limit of 40 mg phosphorus per kg of body weight. Children’s intake from the whole diet can go over it, and so can intake from food supplements.
Earlier source summaries checked ; latest additions checked . See the detailed research section for what was read and the remaining limits. This is a selection of sources, not a complete literature review. Authority assessments apply to the uses and places they cover.
Health notes from our ingredient record
- High phosphate intake may affect calcium balance and bone health; EFSA notes potential ADI exceedance for high consumers.
- Individuals with chronic kidney disease are more sensitive to high phosphate loads.
- Acidic drinks containing E338 can contribute to dental erosion with frequent/excessive consumption.
Other references from our ingredient record
These links come from the original ingredient record. They are separate from the source reviews above and have not all been checked for the exact ingredient, amount consumed or claim. Dates are shown newest first.
- Phosphate Additives and Bone Health: Cross-sectional Analysis of US Food Supply — Katherine L Tucker et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025). A 2025 study examining phosphate-based additives including phosphoric acid (E338) in processed foods and their impact on bone mineral density. The research found that while phosphoric acid is generally safe, excessive consumption through processed foods may disrupt the calcium-phosphorus ratio, potentially affecting bone health. The study noted that phosphoric acid in soft drinks and processed foods contributes to dietary phosphate excess, which may be of concern for individuals with kidney disease or those consuming high amounts of processed foods. Moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet appears safe for most individuals.[safe_in_moderation]
- Re‐evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates – di‐, tri‐ and polyphosphates (E 338–341, E 343, E 450–452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2019). Official EFSA scientific opinion (bibliographic reference, imported 2026-10-13). It covers the additive as a group assessment and is not an individual human study; read the opinion for its findings.
Country rules
Country checks for E338
Permission depends on the market, type of food, amount and conditions. A scientific opinion or an E-number alone does not establish a legal use. These checks are separate from the stored EatMatrix rating.
Compare all eight markets and their sources
| Market | What is checked |
|---|---|
| European Union | Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, Annex II Part B, version , contains the exact code E338: Phosphoric acid. Listing alone does not allow every food use. Part E food categories, limits, specifications and applicable later acts still need a product-specific check. Source read: . |
| Great Britain | The FSA register record for E338 (Phosphoric acid) lists “Authorised” in England, Scotland and Wales. Register updated: 01 April 2025; record checked: . Food-specific conditions and specifications still need a separate legal check. |
| United States | Complete current-use review pending. Any scoped provision in the label guide above applies only to the stated use. FDA explains the applicable food-additive and GRAS framework. |
| Northern Ireland | Review pending. Check the applicable EU rules and territory arrangements; the GB register alone does not establish this status. FSA guidance is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Canada | Named food-use records located. Health Canada lists the preparations below for specified foods and purposes. This is conditional permission for those uses, not approval of every product or a personal safety verdict. Only the named records and conditions below were located. Exact composition and specifications still need matching. Source tables captured . List publication dates are shown separately. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a condition of use, not an unlimited amount or a recommended intake. Food and Drug Regulations B.16.003 requires the listed source, purpose, amount and other conditions to match. The official consolidation read was current to 21 September 2026; product specifications and applicable later changes still need checking. Read 9 listed food-use conditionsPhosphoric AcidHealth Canada: List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials. List published ; item P.1.
Phosphoric AcidHealth Canada: List of Permitted Sequestering Agents. List published ; item P.1.
Phosphoric AcidHealth Canada: List of Permitted Yeast Foods. List published ; item P.1.
EatMatrix reading: match the exact preparation and food first. A manufacturing limit is not an acceptable daily intake (ADI). A label without the amount cannot establish exposure, and an unlisted name here does not establish a ban. |
| Australia | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| New Zealand | Review pending. Food Standards Code permissions and conditions need an additive-specific check. FSANZ food-additive rules is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
| Japan | Review pending. The relevant list, identity and use standards need an additive-specific check. CAA food-additive lists is a starting source, not a verified permission for this entry. |
Sources & review status
Check what each source covers: an authority’s conclusion, a research finding and a country’s legal permission answer different questions.
What this guide covers
- Selected research
- 2 source summaries, with publication dates and study types. Several publications may describe the same study population.
- Official assessment reference
- EFSA opinion located for E338. Identity and code coverage checked; full findings review pending.
- Original ingredient record
- 2 research links; newest recorded date: . Sources added separately to this guide are not included in this count.
This guide brings together our ingredient record and the dated sources shown here. Missing information describes a gap in this guide; it does not mean an ingredient is untested, safe or harmful. This is not a complete review of every study, preparation or current country rule. The amount in a product and how it is used still matter.
How to read the ratings, research and country checksAgency labels recorded by EatMatrix
These are imported database classifications, not verified current statements from each authority. Use the dated official sources below for their actual scope and conclusions.
| Authority | Database label |
|---|---|
| FDA | Safe in moderation |
| WHO | Safe in moderation |
| EFSA | Safe in moderation |
| FSANZ | Safe in moderation |
| Japan | Safe in moderation |
| UK FSA | Safe in moderation |
| Health Canada | Safe in moderation |
An official EFSA assessment for E338
An official scientific opinion covering E338 exists. A missing research link or rating in our database does not mean this additive has never been assessed. This reference identifies the document; it does not replace a review of its findings, later research or current food-use rules.
EFSA: Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates – di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E338–341, E343, E450–452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use
- Published
- Codes covered by this reference
- E338, E339, E340, E341, E341(I), E341(II), E341(III), E343, E450, E450(I), E451, E451(I), E452, E452(I)
- Source type
- EFSA scientific opinion, not an individual human trial
The publisher records that an earlier version adopted on March 27, 2019 was withdrawn before publication. The linked published version was adopted on June 4, 2019. This is a group opinion covering multiple phosphate forms and a proposed extension of use, not a new E341-only clinical trial or permission for every formulation. Later publications and current use conditions still need separate review.
EatMatrix checked this reference’s identity and code coverage on . The full evidence review, an exhaustive check for subsequent publications and corrections, and market-specific permissions remain pending. This does not change the recorded EatMatrix rating above.
Database updated: . What does an E number mean on a food label?
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is EatMatrix's recorded rating for E338?
The recorded EatMatrix rating for E338 (Orthophosphoric acid) is “Safe in moderation”. It is calculated from labels stored in our ingredient database. These labels are not verified current regulator decisions or country permissions. A database update date is not a scientific review date.
Is E338 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Orthophosphoric acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E338 and why is it used?
Orthophosphoric (phosphoric) acid (H3PO4) is a mineral acid used as an acidulant/acidifier and sequestrant in foods and beverages (notably colas). EFSA (2019) set a group ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day expressed as phosphorus for phosphates (E338–E341, E343, E450–E452). Typical uses are permitted with maximum levels; high intake can approach/exceed the ADI, especially in children and in diets high in phosphate additives.
Does E338 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Orthophosphoric acid.
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This page shows information and classifications recorded in our ingredient database. Current scientific and market-specific verification remains pending as described above. It is general information, not medical advice.