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E339 Sodium phosphates

E339Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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The short answer
Sodium phosphates (E339) keep processed cheese melty, ham juicy and cereal crisp. They're safe for most people in normal amounts, but added phosphates are absorbed easily and are a concern for anyone with kidney disease.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE339
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limit40 mg/kg
Also calledSodium phosphate, Sodium phosphates

Cut back on added phosphates

Clean-label swaps
Clean grocery swap

Natural cheese instead of processed slices

Real cheddar has no added phosphates.

Shop natural cheddar Opens your country’s Amazon store
Clean substitute

Sodium citrate for cheese sauce

Makes silky nacho cheese from real cheese, no phosphates needed.

Shop sodium citrate Opens your country’s Amazon store
Health store

Low-phosphorus diet cookbook

Recipes for kidney-friendly eating.

Shop kidney-diet cookbooks Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US. In 2019 EFSA set a group limit for all added phosphates of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight a day, and warned that some children and heavy consumers of processed food may go over it.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

2.8 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 40 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 800 mg a day.

What is it?

Sodium phosphates are salts that hold water, balance acidity and stop fats and proteins from separating. They're why processed cheese melts smoothly and why "enhanced" chicken and ham stay juicy.

Where it comes from: Made by reacting phosphoric acid, from phosphate rock, with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes processed cheese melt smoothly
  • Keeps ham, chicken and seafood juicy
  • Balances acidity in cereal and drinks
  • Helps instant pudding set

Often found in

Processed cheese and cheese sauceHam, deli meat and hot dogs"Enhanced" chicken and porkBreakfast cerealInstant puddingFrozen seafood

Also listed as: Sodium phosphate, Sodium phosphates, Disodium phosphate, Monosodium phosphate, Trisodium phosphate, TSP, Dibasic sodium phosphate, Monobasic sodium phosphate, E339(i), E339(ii), E339(iii)

Health & gut impact

Kidney diseaseConcern

Added phosphates are almost fully absorbed, unlike the phosphorus in whole foods. People with kidney disease are advised to limit them.

Ritz et al., Dtsch Arztebl Int (2012)

Safety reviewUnder study

EFSA found phosphates safe within the new group limit, but noted that high intakes are common in some groups.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

What can I use instead?

Sodium citrate

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Smooth melted cheese sauce

Salt brine

Ratio: To recipe

Best for: Juicy chicken and pork at home

Related

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safeCream of tartar (Potassium bitartrate) E336Cream of tartar (E336) is a natural acid scraped from wine barrels. Bakers use it to whip stable meringue and to make baking powder. It's safe, vegan and fits every diet we check.Generally safeLactic acid E270Lactic acid (E270) is a mild food acid made by fermenting plant sugars. It's safe, fits every diet we check, and has nothing to do with lactose.Generally safeMalic acid E296Malic acid (E296) is the sour taste of green apples, made in a factory for candy and drinks. It's safe, though very sour candy can wear down tooth enamel.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Sodium phosphates safe?

Use in moderation (64/100). GRAS in the US. In 2019 EFSA set a group limit for all added phosphates of 40 mg of phosphorus per kg of body weight a day, and warned that some children and heavy consumers of processed food may go over it.

Is Sodium phosphates vegan?

Yes.

Is Sodium phosphates gluten-free?

Yes.

Is the trisodium phosphate in cereal the same as the cleaner?

It's the same compound, but food-grade TSP is purified and used in tiny amounts. Cleaning TSP is a concentrated industrial grade.

How do I spot phosphates on a label?

Look for any ingredient with "phosphate" or "phosphoric" in the name, or E-numbers E338 to E341 and E450 to E452.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 182.1778 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E339
  • Ritz et al., Dtsch Arztebl Int (2012)
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2019)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 339 · CAS 7558-79-4