E341 · Calcium phosphates
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E341?
Calcium phosphates are calcium salts used in food as firming agents, anti-caking agents, and nutrient supplements (a source of added calcium). They appear in baking powder, fortified cereals, dairy products, and supplements. They are generally recognized as safe and provide a bioavailable form of calcium, though very high doses from combined supplement and food sources can be excessive.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium phosphates, Calcium phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate, Dicalcium phosphate, Monocalcium phosphate, Calcium hydrogen phosphate, Calcium dihydrogen phosphate, Ca3(PO4)2, CaHPO4, Ca(H2PO4)2, INS 341, INS 341(i).
What the evidence says
- Contributes to overall dietary phosphate intake; excessive combined calcium and phosphate intake may affect mineral balance in people with kidney disease.
- Generally well tolerated at typical food-additive levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Tricalcium Phosphate in Food Applications: Benefits and Safety Profile — K&S Chemical Research Team, Industrial Chemistry and Food Safety Review (2024). A detailed 2024 analysis of calcium phosphate (E341), particularly tricalcium phosphate, focusing on its role as both a food additive and calcium supplement. The research demonstrated that calcium phosphates are well-tolerated and provide bioavailable calcium with beneficial effects on bone health. The study found no significant safety concerns when used as approved food additives, noting that these compounds occur naturally and play vital roles in maintaining strong bones and teeth. The research supports the continued safe use of calcium phosphates in food applications.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E341 safe?
Our overall verdict for E341 (Calcium 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 E341 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium 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 E341 and why is it used?
Calcium phosphates are calcium salts used in food as firming agents, anti-caking agents, and nutrient supplements (a source of added calcium). They appear in baking powder, fortified cereals, dairy products, and supplements. They are generally recognized as safe and provide a bioavailable form of calcium, though very high doses from combined supplement and food sources can be excessive.
Does E341 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium 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.