Calcium phosphates
Phosphate; moderate intakes acceptable.
- Category
- Emulsifiers, Humectants, Sequestrants, Stabilisers, Thickeners
- Acceptable daily intake
- 40 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A phosphate salt used as an anti-caking agent, dough conditioner, or calcium fortifier.
How it is used in food
Acts as an excellent anti-caking agent, keeping powdered foods flowing smoothly.
Commonly found in- Baking powder
- Fortified cereals
- Processed cheese
Health and safety
Calcium phosphate itself is benign — it is what your bones are built from. The concern is cumulative: phosphate additives across a whole diet add up, and that total matters for anyone with reduced kidney function, who cannot clear the excess.
Evaluated by EFSA, calcium phosphates have an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 40 mg per kg of body weight, expressed as phosphorus. While generally safe at dietary levels, high total phosphate consumption across a full diet is a concern for individuals with impaired kidney function who cannot clear excess phosphorus.
Excessive Phosphorus Intake
High dietary intake of added phosphates can disrupt calcium balance and put stress on the kidneys over time.
EFSA set a group acceptable intake of 40 mg phosphorus per kg of body weight per day in 2019, covering all phosphate additives together — the limit is about total phosphate across the diet, not this additive alone.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E341
Worth knowing
Calcium phosphate is the principal form of calcium found in bovine milk and human bones.
Conclusion
You only need to limit calcium phosphates if you have reduced kidney function or consume high amounts of processed food. While the mineral itself builds human bones, EFSA set a total phosphate daily limit of 40 mg per kg of body weight in 2019 because cumulative intakes across baking powders, cereals, and processed cheese can strain damaged kidneys.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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