E339: Sodium phosphates

What is E339?

Sodium phosphates are a group of salts of phosphoric acid and sodium. Under E339 the group includes monosodium, disodium and trisodium phosphate, which range from acidic to strongly alkaline.

Origin and production

They are made by neutralising purified phosphoric acid, derived from mined phosphate rock, with varying amounts of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Why is it used?

Sodium phosphates act as emulsifying salts in processed cheese and cheese spreads, helping them melt smoothly without separating. They also regulate acidity and improve texture and flow in breakfast cereals, cereal products, snacks and frozen foods.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Sodium phosphates are mineral-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, though they often appear in dairy and meat products. They are not normally a halal or kosher concern.

Safety and regulation

Sodium phosphates are authorised in the EU and were covered by EFSA's re-evaluation of phosphate additives, which set a group acceptable daily intake for phosphorus. EFSA identified a risk of exceeding that acceptable daily intake for some population groups.

Common in