Potassium phosphates (E340) can be found in instant porridges, coffee and other drinks. Should their lovers beware?

Potassium phosphates or orthophosphates or monophosphates are potassium salts of phosphoric acid.

The most commonly used include potassium dihydrogen phosphate or E340(i), potassium monohydrogen phosphate or E340(ii) and potassium phosphate E340(iii).

These are multifunctional food additives that are used as stabilizers, acidity regulators or emulsifiers.

They are made by adding potassium hydroxide to phosphoric acid.

Where are potassium phosphates used?

Potassium phosphates are found in a wide variety of foods and beverages. They are often added to milk substitutes in coffees, instant drinks and porridges, beer and sparkling wines. A number of meat products and cheeses also contain them.

In addition to its stabilizing and protective properties, it also serves to enrich foods and drinks with potassium.

• Instant soy drink, oat drink, buckwheat drink
• Probio Instant Porridge
• Alpro Almond milk, soy drink
• Jacobs original 3 in 1, Nescafé 3 in 1, Venezia Cappuccino
• Instant coffee creamer
• Mokate Gold premium Latte classic
• Zott Monte milk dessert
• Ham mousse

In healthcare, potassium phosphates are used to reduce acidity in the stomach or as diuretics.

Is E340 healthy?

Due to the fact that there are no known adverse effects of consuming potassium phosphates, these substances are generally considered safe and have been approved by both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recommended daily dose of potassium phosphates should not exceed 70 mg per 1 kg of body weight, as long-term excessive consumption can negatively affect the balance between phosphorus and calcium in our body.

Use in the EU vs. USA vs. world

The use of potassium phosphates in the food industry is permitted in the EU, USA and other countries of the world.