About
Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is the tribasic calcium salt of orthophosphoric acid used primarily as a free-flowing (anticaking) agent in powdered food products such as baby formula, table salt, and spice blends. It also functions as a calcium and phosphorus nutritional supplement and is permitted as a raising-agent component in baking powder.
Safety summary
EFSA established a group ADI of 40 mg phosphorus/kg body weight/day for all food-additive phosphates including E341(iii), which is considered protective for healthy adults; however, this ADI explicitly does not cover individuals with moderate-to-severe renal impairment. A 2023 PubMed study found that food-grade E341(iii) is largely composed of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, and nano-objects were identified in baby formula extractions, prompting EFSA to call for revised specifications characterising the nanoparticle fraction. A rat developmental toxicity study reported significant reductions in foetal skeletal measurements and placental weight at high oral doses, warranting caution during pregnancy.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as an anticaking agent and nutrient supplement. Group ADI of 40 mg phosphorus/kg bw/day (shared across all phosphate additives E338–341, E343, E450–452). EFSA recommended the European Commission revise EU specifications to include nanoparticle characterisation (particle size distribution, percentage of particles < 100 nm) for E341(iii); a 2020 EC call for data is ongoing. Authorised in infant formula nutrients under Annex III with carry-over capped at 150 mg/kg as P2O5.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted as INS 341(iii) (Tricalcium orthophosphate) for use in snacks at GMP level under FSSAI Appendix C (Version 2, 2025). Also listed as a permitted ingredient in baking powder under Chapter 2.11 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Listed as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 182.1217 as a multipurpose food substance and dietary supplement. No specific numeric ADI or maximum use level mandated at the federal level.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. 21 CFR 182.1217 – Calcium phosphate, tribasic (GRAS listing). accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations – Appendix C, Version 2 (2025), 2025. fssai.gov.in
- 3PubMed. The True Nature of Tricalcium Phosphate Used as Food Additive (E341(iii)), 2023. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4EFSA. 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
- 5PubMed. The effects of maternal exposure to food additive E341 (tricalcium phosphate) on foetal development of rats, 2011. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
