Dipotassium phosphate

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Dipotassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄) is a dibasic potassium salt of phosphoric acid used in food as an acidity regulator, buffering agent, sequestrant, and emulsifier. It is commonly found in processed cheeses, coffee creamers, infant formula, and sports beverages to control pH, prevent mineral precipitation, and improve texture.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

EFSA (2019) classifies phosphates, including E340(ii), as having low acute oral toxicity with no concern for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity; no adverse effects were observed in developmental toxicity studies. A group ADI of 40 mg phosphorus/kg body weight/day was established, but estimated dietary exposure exceeds this threshold for infants, toddlers, and children at mean intake levels, and for adolescents at the 95th percentile. Regular consumers of phosphate-containing food supplements above age 3 may also exceed the ADI at levels associated with risks for kidney function.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia)	Approved	Recognised internationally under Codex GSFA as INS 340(ii); FSANZ permits phosphates in line with Codex standards. Specific maximum levels vary by food category under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.source
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II and III. Group ADI of 40 mg phosphorus/kg bw/day applies collectively to all food-additive phosphates (E338–341, E343, E450–452); ADI is not substance-specific. Also authorised in food category 13.1 (foods for infants and young children). EFSA (2019) recommends introduction of numerical maximum permitted levels for phosphates in food supplements to replace the current quantum satis approach.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Listed as GRAS/FS (sequestrant) under 21 CFR Part 133.169 and related regulations; approved for use in pasteurized process cheese and other standardised foods.source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Kidney Disease — EFSA (2019) specifically flagged that excessive phosphate intake is associated with risks for kidney function, and impaired renal clearance in those with chronic kidney disease significantly increases susceptibility to phosphate overload.

Children — EFSA (2019) found that estimated dietary phosphate exposure from all sources exceeds the group ADI of 40 mg P/kg bw/day at mean intake levels for toddlers and children, and at the 95th percentile for adolescents.

Infants — Mean estimated phosphate exposure exceeds the EFSA ADI for infants; although the panel found no immediate safety concern for formula-fed infants below 16 weeks, aggregate exposure should be monitored.

Hypertension — Dipotassium phosphate contributes both phosphate and potassium load; individuals on potassium-restricted or phosphate-restricted therapeutic diets for cardiovascular or renal conditions should consult their physician before regular consumption.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Food Additive Status List – Dipotassium phosphate (FDA). fda.gov
2other. GSFA Online Food Additive Details for Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (340(ii)). fao.org
3EFSA. Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates – di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338–341, E 343, E 450–452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use, 2019. efsa.europa.eu
4PubMed. Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid-phosphates - di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338-341, E 343, E 450-452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use, 2019. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5EFSA. EFSA issues new advice on phosphates (Press release), 2019. efsa.europa.eu

Independently researched5 citations