Bone phosphate
Safe, but strictly derived from animal bones.
- Category
- Anti-caking agents
- Vegan
- No
- Vegetarian
- No
What it is
An anti-caking agent and mineral supplement derived directly from crushed animal bones.
How it is used in food
Used as an anti-caking agent and a combined calcium-and-phosphorus source, historically added to supplements and dry food mixes to keep powders free-flowing while contributing bone minerals.
Commonly found in- Dry mixes
- Dietary supplements
Health and safety
While safe to eat, it is strictly non-vegan and is mostly obsolete due to synthetic phosphate alternatives.
Toxicologically it behaves like other calcium phosphates, which JECFA and EFSA consider safe within the phosphate group ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight as phosphorus. Its decline owes less to safety data than to BSE-era caution around bovine materials and the ready availability of mineral-source alternatives.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (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
- E542
Worth knowing
It is one of the few E-numbers made literally from animal bones — degreased, steamed cattle bones — which makes it unsuitable for vegans, vegetarians and several religious diets, and has driven its replacement by synthetic phosphates.
Conclusion
Safe, but strictly derived from animal bones.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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