FDA Status
GRAS
Phosphoric Acid (E338), CAS 7664-38-2, is a acidity regulator additive holding a composite safety score of 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 1,165 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Cola drinks, processed cheese, jams.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Phosphoric Acid to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Phosphoric Acid, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2019/06/12. EFSA has noted an overexposure risk classification of "high" for typical consumption patterns. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E338 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7664-38-2 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Acidity Regulator | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 1,165 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
3.0 / 5
Composite Safety Mixed Evidence
Safety Score: 3 out of 5
Safety Rating 60.0%
EU Status
Approved
E338
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Phosphoric Acid receives a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Phosphoric Acid as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Phosphoric Acid. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Phosphoric Acid?
Adds tangy flavor to cola drinks.
Health Concerns
- Linked to reduced bone density at high consumption.
Common Uses
Cola drinks, processed cheese, jams
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phosphoric Acid safe to consume?
Phosphoric Acid has a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Phosphoric Acid used for in food?
Phosphoric Acid is commonly used as: Cola drinks, processed cheese, jams. It belongs to the Acidity Regulator category of food additives.
Is Phosphoric Acid banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Phosphoric Acid. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Phosphoric Acid?
The FDA classifies Phosphoric Acid as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E338). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Phosphoric Acid?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Phosphoric Acid: Linked to reduced bone density at high consumption.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Phosphoric Acid calculated?
The safety score of 3/5 for Phosphoric Acid is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Acidity Regulator Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial