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Phosphoric Acid (E338) — What You Need to Know

Caution(5/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Phosphoric Acid?

Phosphoric acid is a mineral acid widely used as an acidulant in the food industry, most notably in cola-type beverages where it provides the characteristic sharp, tangy bite. It is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid that is considerably stronger than organic acids like citric acid.

What Is It Used For?

Used primarily as an acidulant in cola drinks to provide their distinctive sharp flavor. Also used as a pH adjuster in processed cheese, bottled tea, and jams.

Function: Acidulant, flavoring agent, sequestrant
50 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
2800 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
1.8%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
40 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇪🇺 EU: Authorized
🇺🇸 US: Approved
🇯🇵 JP: Approved
🇦🇺 AU: Approved
🇨🇦 CA: Approved
⚠️ Key Concerns

Primarily known for its use in cola drinks, providing the characteristic sharp, tangy taste. EFSA re-evaluated phosphate additives in 2019 and set a new group tolerable daily intake. High phosphate intake from food additives has been associated with cardiovascular risk in epidemiological studies. Excess phosphorus can impair calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss, particularly concerning in adolescents who consume large amounts of cola. The 2019 EFSA opinion noted that phosphate intake from food additives may exceed the MTDI in high consumers. Linked to chronic kidney disease progression in vulnerable populations.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Phosphoric Acid an editorial context label of Caution with a score of 5/10. This is 3.8 points below the database average for acidity regulators (8.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2019. The dataset's population estimate equals about 1.8% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Cola drinksProcessed cheeseBottled teaJamsDeli meats
Example brands:
Coca-ColaPepsiDr Pepper

Always check the label for E338 or 'Phosphoric Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: H3PO4
Molecular Weight: 98 g/mol
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
INS Number: INS 338
Also known as: E338, INS 338, Orthophosphoric acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Phosphoric Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe); EFSA/EU — Group MTDI of 40 mg/kg bw/day as phosphorus (for all phosphate additives, 2019 re-evaluation). Reported concerns: Primarily known for its use in cola drinks, providing the characteristic sharp, tangy taste. EFSA re-evaluated phosphate additives in 2019 and set a new group tolerable daily intake. High phosphate intake from food additives has been associated with cardiovascular risk in epidemiological studies. Excess phosphorus can impair calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss, particularly concerning in adolescents who consume large amounts of cola. The 2019 EFSA opinion noted that phosphate intake from food additives may exceed the MTDI in high consumers. Linked to chronic kidney disease progression in vulnerable populations. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E338
INS Number
INS 338
Category
Acidity Regulators
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
EFSA Status
Group MTDI of 40 mg/kg bw/day as phosphorus (for all phosphate additives, 2019 re-evaluation)
ADI
40 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2019
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other acidity regulators in the same family

Citric Acid (E330)Calcium Phosphate (E341)Malic Acid (E296)