Phosphates (E338–E452)
Phosphates are phosphorus compounds used in food as humectants, acidity regulators and raising agents, and in cleaning products as water softeners. No problems are expected in healthy people at permitted levels, but because additive phosphates are absorbed very efficiently, they matter for people with kidney disease. In detergents the risk to human health is low; the real problem is eutrophication, which pollutes waters.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
The lower end applies to healthy adults; the upper end reflects people with kidney disease who need to limit their total phosphorus intake, and frequent consumption of processed foods containing added phosphates.
Its toxicity to humans is low; the range is high because of its environmental impact, which causes excessive algae growth in lakes and seas. That is why its use in household laundry and dishwasher detergents is restricted in the EU.
What are phosphates and what are they used for?
Phosphorus is a mineral the body needs, found in the structure of bones and teeth; it occurs naturally in meat, dairy products, pulses and cereals. The phosphates used as food additives are phosphoric acid (E338), sodium, potassium and calcium phosphates (E339–E341), diphosphates (E450), triphosphates (E451) and polyphosphates (E452).
In food they retain moisture, bind proteins, regulate acidity and help dough rise. In cleaning products they soften water by binding the calcium and magnesium in it, making the detergent work more effectively.
Which products contain them?
- Sausages, salami, frankfurters and processed meat products (for water retention and texture)
- Processed cheese, cheese triangles and cheese sauces (as emulsifying salts)
- Cola-type drinks (phosphoric acid)
- Baking powder, cake mixes and some frozen seafood
- Some dishwasher detergents, industrial cleaners and limescale inhibitors
Are they harmful in food?
EFSA re-evaluated phosphates in 2019, set a group acceptable daily intake expressed as phosphorus, and stated that the permitted use is safe for healthy people. However, it pointed out that some consumers, especially children who eat a lot of processed food, may come close to this value.
An important detail: inorganic phosphates added as additives are absorbed at a much higher rate than the phosphorus naturally present in foods. Healthy kidneys can excrete excess phosphorus; however, in people with chronic kidney disease phosphorus levels in the blood rise, and this can harm bone and blood vessel health. For these people, monitoring total phosphorus intake is part of treatment.
Are they harmful in cleaning products?
Phosphates in detergents (for example sodium tripolyphosphate) have low toxicity for humans; irritation comes from the overall alkalinity of the product. The real problem is environmental: phosphorus reaching lakes and seas with wastewater over-feeds algae and can lead to eutrophication, meaning a drop in the water's oxygen and fish deaths.
For this reason the EU has legally limited the amount of phosphate and total phosphorus in household laundry detergents and dishwasher detergents. Manufacturers use zeolites, citrates and other water softeners instead of phosphate.
Who should be careful?
- People with chronic kidney disease: Recognising phosphate additives on the label (E338–E452) is very helpful for controlling phosphorus together with a dietitian.
- Children and teenagers who often eat processed food: Total phosphate intake can rise through cola, processed meat and processed cheese.
What to do when you see them on a label
For a healthy person, an occasional product containing phosphates is no cause for concern. If you have kidney disease, you can look for “phosphate”, “phosphoric acid” or the codes E338–E452 on labels and plan your diet with your doctor and dietitian. For cleaning products, choosing ones labelled “phosphate-free” is a positive step for the environment; for descaling at home, citric acid is a good alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Does cola damage bones?
Some observational studies have found a link between cola consumption and lower bone density; however, it is unclear whether this is due to phosphoric acid or to drinking cola instead of milk.
Which products should people with kidney disease watch out for?
Processed meat, processed cheese, cola and ready-made products containing baking powder can contain additive phosphates. For a personal list, it is best to consult your dietitian.
Do phosphate-free detergents clean just as well?
Modern phosphate-free detergents are formulated with other water softeners and give good results in normal use. In very hard water, following the dosage instructions is important.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.