Trisodium Phosphate (E339III): What It Is and Is It Safe?
The tri-basic sodium salt of phosphoric acid (Na₃PO₄). A strongly alkaline compound used to adjust pH and as a sequestrant (binds metal ions that could accelerate spoilage). Also used as a food-safe antimicrobial rinse on poultry. The same cumulative phosphate concerns apply as with E339I and E339II — kidney and cardiovascular effects at high intake.
- Category
- Acidity Regulator / Sequestrant
- Typically used in
- Processed meats, poultry processing, some breakfast cereals
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK. Caution with high phosphate intake.
- Concerns flagged
-
Cardiovascular concernKidney effects
Scrannr flags Trisodium Phosphate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2019) — Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid-phosphates – di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338–341, E 343, E 450–452) as food additives https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5674
Products containing Trisodium Phosphate
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