YenzoWhat is E340 (potassium phosphates)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists the same functions for all three potassium phosphates: acidity regulator, emulsifier, emulsifying salt, humectant, stabilizer, sequestrant and thickener.
E340Potassium phosphates
E340 covers the potassium phosphates, potassium salts of phosphoric acid: potassium dihydrogen phosphate (340(i)), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (340(ii)) and tripotassium phosphate (340(iii)). In food they adjust acidity, hold moisture and help keep products stable.
- Code
- E340 · INS 340
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2019
EFSA (2019) found that intake in children can exceed the ADI. On the Yenzo Scale this finding does not raise the risk level by itself.
How much a day stays within the ADI?EFSA 2019 (group ADI for phosphates, as phosphorus): 40 mg/kg bw per day
about 2.6 g a daythat is 2,600 mg
How E340 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (340), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (340)acidity regulator 340E340INS 340
INS sub-codes
INS 340(i)Potassium dihydrogen phosphate
INS 340(ii)Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate
INS 340(iii)Tripotassium phosphate
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Potassium phosphates in food
Liquid milkUnripened cheeseEdible ices and fruit icesCocoa and chocolate productsSweets and confectioneryProcessed meat and poultry, not heat-treatedCooked fish productsCanned and bottled vegetablesFlavoured drinks
Questions about potassium phosphates
Is potassium phosphates harmful?
In 2019 EFSA set a group ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as phosphorus, for the phosphate additives (E338–E341, E343, E450–E452). EFSA noted that in one estimated scenario intake by infants, toddlers and other children exceeded this ADI.
Is Potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium salts permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (INS 340(i)), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (INS 340(ii)) and tripotassium hydrogen phosphate (INS 340(iii)), as the circular names it, are listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E340?
In the EU, additives may not be used in foods for infants and young children unless Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 provides for it. Annex II lists E340 in categories 13.1.1 (infant formulae), 13.1.2 (follow-on formulae), 13.1.3 (processed cereal-based foods and baby foods, only cereals) and 13.1.5.1 (dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants). The Regulation has no separate provision for pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other acidity regulators
E336Potassium tartratesvery lowE337Sodium potassium tartratevery lowE338Phosphoric acidlowE339Sodium phosphateslowE341Calcium phosphateslowE343Magnesium phosphateslow
See all acidity regulators →Found in these products
Sữa yến mạch Oatside đậm đà (rich oat milk)Oatside · plant-based milk
Nước uống Revive chanh muối (salted lemon)Revive · soft drinks and flavoured drinks
Mì ramen Vifon vị nước tương (soy sauce ramen)Vifon · instant noodles
Sữa yến mạch Oatside vị nguyên bản (original oat milk)Oatside · plant-based milkUpdated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Re‐evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates – di‐, tri‐ and polyphosphates (E 338–341, E 343, E 450–452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 340
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (consolidated text of 18.08.2026): Article 16 and Annex II, Part E, category 13.1 (foods for infants and young children)