What is Phosphoric acid (E338)?

What does it do?

Delays rancidity and discolouration, and regulates the product’s acidity (pH).

Is it harmful? Risk context

There is limited evidence, or caution is warranted under specific conditions. Its presence alone does not mean "danger"; at ordinary amounts no problem is reported for most people. NeBu treats it as a moderate signal and presents it with the context below.

Common in cola; high phosphate intake may exceed children's ADI, affects calcium metabolism

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Safe daily intake (EFSA ADI)

Group-ADI 40 mg phosphorus/kg body weight/day (EFSA 2019) — estimated intake can exceed it in children/teens

Note for sensitive groups

• Children: estimated exposure can exceed the safe limit in some cases (e.g. phosphates), or a weak link with attention/activity has been reported.

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• EFSA — Phosphates re-evaluation + intake warning (2019)
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)