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E450 · Emulsifiers, Humectants, Sequestrants, Stabilisers, Thickeners

Diphosphates

Moderate risk emulsifierraising agent

Phosphate additive; cardiovascular debate at high intakes.

Category
Emulsifiers, Humectants, Sequestrants, Stabilisers, Thickeners
Acceptable daily intake
40 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

Diphosphates (E450) are synthetic mineral salts derived from phosphoric acid. They are incredibly versatile workhorses of the food industry, acting as emulsifiers, water-binders, and the acidic component of baking powder.

How it is used in food

The rising power in baking powder and the water-binder in processed meat and cheese.

Commonly found in
  • Baking powders and self-raising flour
  • Processed meats and sausages (to retain water and improve texture)
  • Processed cheese
  • Canned seafood (to prevent crystal formation)

Health and safety

Total phosphate intake from processed food can exceed safe levels for high consumers, linking to vascular strain.

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for human life. However, unlike natural phosphorus found in cells, synthetic phosphate additives (like E450) are absorbed by the gut at a nearly 100% rate.

Cardiovascular strain at high intakes

high consumers of processed food, kidney patients · evidence: probable

Excessive blood phosphate levels can cause calcium to leach from bones and deposit into blood vessels, stiffening arteries. EFSA warns that high consumers of processed foods may easily exceed the safe daily intake.

EFSA re-evaluation of phosphates

EFSA warned in 2019 about cumulative load.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ		 Permitted Permitted.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission		 Permitted Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)		 Permitted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

Identification on labels

E-number
E450

Also printed asSAPP · Sodium acid pyrophosphate

How it is made

They are produced industrially by extracting phosphorus from phosphate rock (mined from the earth) and reacting it with sodium or potassium hydroxide.

  1. Extraction — Phosphorus is extracted from mined phosphate rock and converted into phosphoric acid.
  2. Neutralization and Heating — The acid is neutralized with a base (like sodium hydroxide) and then calcined (heated to extreme temperatures) to form complex diphosphate chains.

Worth knowing

Phosphates are considered the "hidden salt" of ultra-processed food.

Conclusion

E450 is currently permitted worldwide. However, health experts increasingly refer to added phosphates as the "hidden salt" of the ultra-processed diet, advising consumers—especially those with any kidney impairment—to minimize their intake.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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