Calcium Polyphosphate (E544): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Calcium polyphosphate is a long-chain phosphate used as an emulsifier and sequestrant, chiefly in processed cheese and meats. It adds to total dietary phosphate intake, for which EFSA set a group ADI of 40 mg phosphorus per kg body weight per day in 2019, based on effects on kidney function. EFSA found that phosphate intake may exceed the ADI in children, and high phosphate-additive loads are epidemiologically linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Category
- Emulsifier / Stabiliser — Phosphate
- Typically used in
- Processed cheese and processed meats.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as a food additive under EU or UK Regulation 1333/2008. Holds Codex INS 544; contributes to total dietary phosphate intake governed by the EFSA group ADI.
- Concerns flagged
-
Cardiovascular concernKidney effects
Scrannr flags Calcium Polyphosphate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2019) — Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid phosphates di tri and polyphosphates E338-341 E343 E450-452 as food additives https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5674
- Deutsches Arzteblatt International (2012) — Phosphate additives in food a health risk https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3278747/
Products containing Calcium Polyphosphate
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