E341: Calcium phosphates
What is E341?
Calcium phosphates (E341) are a group of salts of calcium and phosphoric acid: monocalcium, dicalcium and tricalcium phosphate. They are white, mostly poorly soluble powders with different acidity depending on the type.
Origin and production
They are produced by reacting purified phosphoric acid, obtained from phosphate rock, with calcium sources such as lime or limestone.
Why is it used?
Monocalcium phosphate is a common leavening acid in baking powder for cakes, biscuits and bread mixes, while tricalcium phosphate is used as an anti-caking agent in powders. Calcium phosphates can also fortify foods with calcium and act as stabilisers.
Vegan, vegetarian and halal
Food-grade calcium phosphates are mineral-derived and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Bone-derived calcium phosphate exists but is not the normal source for food additives; certification can confirm this for strict diets.
Safety and regulation
Calcium phosphates are authorised in the EU and fall under the group acceptable daily intake for phosphates set by EFSA in 2019. EFSA identified a risk of exceeding that intake for some population groups when phosphorus from all dietary sources is considered.
Written by the Foodlas editorial team with AI assistance and checked against EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and EFSA scientific opinions. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 · EFSA — Food additives · Wikidata
Common in
Products containing E341
