Leavening Agent · CAS 7785-88-8 · EU E541
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate 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 #101 of 417.
- #101 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #101 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (76th percentile).
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #101 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate: 242 tracked U.S. products (common band, #101 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 242 · #101 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E541 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7785-88-8 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Leavening Agent | 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 Sodium Aluminum Phosphate?
Slow-acting leavening agent.
Health Concerns
- Aluminum concerns debunked but some prefer to avoid.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (242 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 242
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Aluminum Phosphate safe to consume?
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (242 tracked products, #101 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Sodium Aluminum Phosphate used for in food?
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate shows up as Self-rising flour, baking mixes in the Leavening Agent class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (242 products).
Where does Sodium Aluminum Phosphate sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #101 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 Sodium Aluminum Phosphate?
The FDA classifies Sodium Aluminum Phosphate as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E541). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Sodium Aluminum Phosphate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sodium Aluminum Phosphate: Aluminum concerns debunked but some prefer to avoid.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.