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E338 – Phosphoric Acid: Effects and Safety

E338 is the food additive phosphoric acid, an approved acidity regulator and antioxidant used primarily in soft drinks such as cola beverages.

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Things worth knowing about "E338"

E338 is the food additive phosphoric acid, an approved acidity regulator and antioxidant used primarily in soft drinks such as cola beverages.

What is E338?

E338 is the official EU designation for phosphoric acid (chemical formula: H₃PO₄), an inorganic acid used as an approved food additive in the food industry. It belongs to the category of acidity regulators and antioxidants and is listed under EU Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives.

Origin and Production

Phosphoric acid is produced industrially, primarily from phosphate rock or by burning white phosphorus. Only highly purified phosphoric acid that meets strict quality standards is used as a food additive.

Uses in Food

E338 is used in a wide range of food products and beverages, particularly:

Soft drinks (especially cola beverages): as an acidulant providing the characteristic sharp, tangy taste
Fruit juices and nectars: for pH regulation
Processed cheese and cheese products: as a melting salt
Meat products: for preservation and stabilization
Baked goods and cereals: as a leavening agent in combination with other substances

Phosphoric acid gives beverages a tart, slightly bitter flavor while also acting as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth through lowering the pH value.

Health Assessment

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a group ADI for phosphoric acid and phosphates (E338–E341, E343). In 2019, a group ADI of 40 mg per kg of body weight per day (expressed as phosphorus) was defined.

Potential Health Risks

Excessive consumption of E338 in combination with other phosphate-containing foods may lead to elevated phosphate levels in the blood. This can negatively affect:

Bones and dental enamel: Chronically elevated phosphate intake can disturb the calcium-phosphate balance and may affect bone density.
Dental health: Beverages containing phosphoric acid can contribute to dental erosion due to their low pH value.
Kidney health: Individuals with impaired kidney function should monitor phosphate intake, as the kidneys are responsible for excreting excess phosphate.
Cardiovascular system: Some studies suggest that chronically elevated phosphate levels may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Tolerability for Specific Population Groups

Children, adolescents, and individuals with kidney disease or osteoporosis should consciously limit their consumption of products containing phosphoric acid. For healthy adults, E338 is considered safe as part of a normal diet.

Labeling and Legal Requirements

E338 must be declared in the ingredient list in accordance with EU Food Information Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, either as E338 or as phosphoric acid. Its use is restricted to specific food categories and is subject to quantitative limits (either a quantum satis rule or defined maximum levels depending on the product category).

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid-phosphates (E 338-341, E 343) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2019.
European Union: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Phosphates in food - health assessment. BfR Opinion, 2018.

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