Phosphates (Acidity regulator/leavening)
International number (INS/E number) E338–E452
How it's written on Korean labels 인산염피로인산나트륨폴리인산나트륨메타인산나트륨
What is this additive?
Raise phosphorus intake from processed food. People with kidney disease should be careful.
Note Debated in research, or something certain people should watch.
What is it used for?
- Adjusts acidity (pH) for taste and shelf life.
- Makes dough rise.
- Holds water in meat and noodles for a better texture.
Safety summary
JECFA maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI): 70 mg per kg of body weight per day (evaluated 1982)
Expressed as phosphorus, counting phosphorus from all foods.
In Korea it may be used only within the food-by-food limits in the MFDS Food Additives Code.
Sources: JECFA database (FAO/WHO) · Food Safety Korea (MFDS Food Additives Code, Korean)
Permitted in Korea within legal limits. This is reference information summarized from public regulatory and research sources, not medical advice.
Common in
Ham & sausageCheeseSoft drinksNoodlesBread
Use differs by food type, and products of the same type can have different ingredients.
If you want to avoid it
- If you have kidney disease, cut down on phosphate-heavy foods like processed meat, processed cheese and cola, and talk to your doctor.
- Cooking fresh meat instead of processed meat avoids most of it.
- On Korean labels, also look for 피로인산나트륨, 폴리인산나트륨, 메타인산나트륨.
Products with Phosphates
Products collected by Jjikmeok whose Korean ingredient list includes Phosphates.
Found by matching text in the ingredient list, so some products may be missed or mismatched. Always check the package. This list refreshes once a day.
Related additives
Other dictionaries: Additive dictionary · Ingredient dictionary · Allergens