Acidity Regulator · CAS 7664-38-2 · EU E338
Phosphoric Acid
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Phosphoric Acid is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #47 of 417.
- #47 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Phosphoric Acid is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #47 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (89th percentile).
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #47 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Phosphoric Acid: 1,165 tracked U.S. products (common band, #47 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 1,165 · #47 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| 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 |
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.
What is Phosphoric Acid?
Adds tangy flavor to cola drinks.
Health Concerns
- Linked to reduced bone density at high consumption.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (1,165 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 1,165
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phosphoric Acid safe to consume?
Phosphoric Acid scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (1,165 tracked products, #47 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Phosphoric Acid used for in food?
Phosphoric Acid shows up as Cola drinks, processed cheese, jams in the Acidity Regulator class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (1,165 products).
Where does Phosphoric Acid sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #47 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
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 EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
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.