Potassium phosphates
Learn what Potassium phosphates (E340) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Potassium phosphates?
Potassium phosphate (E340) is a food additive that belongs to the class of acidifying substances, sequestrants, stabilizing agents, leavening agents, buffering agents, and neutralizers. It is an inorganic antioxidant.
Why is Potassium phosphates added to food?
Potassium phosphates (E340) is a acidity regulator commonly found in: Processed cheese, meat products, energy drinks.
Permitted quantity: The established MTDI (Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake) is 70 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as phosphorus) for the mixture of phosphates and polyphosphates, both naturally present in foods and ingested as food additives.
Is Potassium phosphates safe?
Low concern
Potassium phosphates (E340 I, II, III) are found in many food products, so it is important to carefully track the amount of phosphorus ingested throughout the day to avoid exceeding the recommended dose.
Is Potassium phosphates banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Common foods that contain Potassium phosphates
- Processed cheese
- meat products
- energy drinks
See the full list of foods that contain Potassium phosphates →
How to spot Potassium phosphates on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E340
- Potassium phosphates
Common misspellings to watch for:
- potassium phosphates
- potassium phosphdtes
- potassium pho$phates
- potdssium phosphates
- potassium phosphate$
- pota$sium phosphates
- potassium dhosphates
- potasslum phosphates
- potassium phosdhates
- dotassium phosphates
- potas$ium phosphates
Better alternatives
• Not recommended for individuals with renal insufficiency, as excess potassium can affect kidney function. • Individuals with heart conditions or those taking medication for hypertension should avoid excessive consumption of potassium phosphates due to the risk of electrolyte imbalance. • Excessive use may lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause heart rhythm problems.
Also known as
- potassium phosphates
- potassium phosphdtes
- potassium pho$phates
- potdssium phosphates
- potassium phosphate$
- pota$sium phosphates
- potassium dhosphates
- potasslum phosphates
- potassium phosdhates
- dotassium phosphates
- potas$ium phosphates
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Potassium phosphates? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E340 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium phosphates
- Is Potassium phosphates safe to eat?
- Potassium phosphates (E340 I, II, III) are found in many food products, so it is important to carefully track the amount of phosphorus ingested throughout the day to avoid exceeding the recommended dose.
- Is Potassium phosphates banned anywhere?
- Potassium phosphates is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- How do I spot Potassium phosphates on a food label?
- Look for E340, Potassium phosphates in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: potassium phosphates, potassium phosphdtes, potassium pho$phates.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.