Potassium Phosphate

Other names: Potassium phosphate, E340

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Potassium phosphate, also known as E340, is a chemical compound used as an additive in the food industry. These salt groups occur naturally in plants, but are created synthetically for industrial production, often by combining potassium and phosphoric acid. Potassium phosphates have a wide range of applications in the food industry, acting as acidity regulators, flavour enhancers and preservatives. It is also important to note that E340 is considered a safe additive by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Products that often contain potassium phosphate include, for example, cheese, dairy products, ice cream, pastries, biscuits, instant drinks and soups, but also meat products. In the dairy industry, E340 is used as an emulsifier to ensure a homogeneous mixture of fat and water and prevent their separation. In bakeries, potassium phosphate is valued for its ability to improve the consistency and quality of baked goods. In addition to the food industry, potassium phosphate is also used in medicine as a mineral supplement. However, it is very important to adhere to the recommended daily doses, as excessive consumption of phosphate can lead to serious health problems such as osteoporosis or kidney damage. Parents should also be careful when giving products containing E340 to young children who are particularly sensitive to excessive phosphate intake.