E340 · Potassium phosphates
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E340?
Potassium phosphates are potassium salts of phosphoric acid used in food as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and acidity regulators, and in some products as a sodium-reduced alternative to sodium phosphates. They appear in processed meats, dairy products, and sports drinks. Outside food use, they are also used as fertilizers and in water treatment, though these are separate industrial-grade applications.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium phosphates, Potassium phosphate, Dipotassium phosphate, Tripotassium phosphate, Monopotassium phosphate, Potassium orthophosphate, Potassium polyphosphates, E340, E 340, E-340, E340(i), E340(ii).
What the evidence says
- Contributes to overall dietary phosphate intake; high total phosphate consumption is linked to cardiovascular and kidney strain, especially in people with kidney disease.
- High intake may be a concern for people who need to limit dietary potassium, such as those with impaired kidney function.
Research behind the verdict
- Safety Assessment of Potassium Phosphate Food Additives: Current Evidence — InfoCons Research Team, InfoCons Consumer Protection Journal (2024). A 2024 safety evaluation of potassium phosphate (E340) forms used as food additives. The comprehensive review examined all three forms of potassium phosphate and concluded they are generally recognized as safe when used according to approved regulations. The study found that potassium phosphates serve effectively as acidifying, sequestering, stabilizing, leavening, buffering, and neutralizing agents. No significant adverse effects were identified at normal consumption levels, though the research noted the importance of monitoring total phosphate intake from all dietary sources.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E340 safe?
Our overall verdict for E340 (Potassium phosphates) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E340 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium phosphates — 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 E340 and why is it used?
Potassium phosphates are potassium salts of phosphoric acid used in food as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and acidity regulators, and in some products as a sodium-reduced alternative to sodium phosphates. They appear in processed meats, dairy products, and sports drinks. Outside food use, they are also used as fertilizers and in water treatment, though these are separate industrial-grade applications.
Does E340 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium phosphates.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.