YenzoWhat is E541 (sodium aluminium phosphate)?
E541 is sodium aluminium phosphate. In Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT the functions listed for it are acidity regulator, emulsifier, emulsifying salt, raising agent, stabilizer and thickener.
E541Sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic
E541 is sodium aluminium phosphate (natri nhôm phosphat), in an acidic and a basic form. In Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT its function is acidity regulator, emulsifier, emulsifying salt, raising agent, stabilizer and thickener.
Did you know? According to the 2018 EFSA opinion, in the EU acidic sodium aluminium phosphate may be used in just one kind of food: sponge cakes made from contrasting coloured segments held together by jam or spreading jelly and encased in flavoured sugar paste, at up to 400 mg/kg (expressed as aluminium). Until 31 January 2014 the rule was wider: scones and sponge wares, up to 1,000 mg/kg.
- Code
- E541 · INS 541
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalemoderate?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2008
EFSA (2008) found that intake in some population groups can exceed the tolerable weekly intake (TWI); the EU therefore cut the maximum use levels and removed some of these additives (Regulation (EU) 380/2012). This is what puts it at the middle level of the Yenzo Scale.
How E541 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, acidity regulator (541), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
acidity regulator (541)acidity regulator 541E541INS 541On Vietnamese labels: Natri nhôm phosphat, dạng acid
INS sub-codes
INS 541(i)Sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic
INS 541(ii)Sodium aluminium phosphate, basic
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic in food
Processed cheese
Flour
Batters and coatings
CrackersRegular baked goodsBread and steamed bunsBread and baking mixesQuestions about sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic
Is sodium aluminium phosphate harmful?
In 2018 EFSA concluded that acidic sodium aluminium phosphate (E541) raises no safety concern at the currently authorised uses and use levels. EFSA noted that it is permitted in only one food category, so the estimated intake is approximately zero; EFSA also recommended assessing the combined aluminium exposure from all aluminium-containing additives.
Is INS 541 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic (INS 541(i)) and basic (INS 541(ii)), is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E541?
In 2018 EFSA estimated exposure to aluminium from this group of additives (E520–E523, E541) by age group. In a highly conservative scenario based on the maximum permitted levels, mean exposure in toddlers and children exceeded the TWI of 1 mg aluminium/kg body weight per week. However, because these additives are only authorised in niche products, EFSA considered the estimates highly uncertain and the real exposure most probably near zero, and concluded there is no safety concern at the current authorised uses and use levels. EFSA's conclusions do not single out pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other acidity regulators
E525Potassium hydroxidevery lowE526Calcium hydroxidevery lowE527Ammonium hydroxidevery lowE528Magnesium hydroxidevery lowE529Calcium oxidevery lowE530Magnesium oxidevery low
See all acidity regulators →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the conditions of use and the use levels for aluminium-containing food additives, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/380/oj. EFSA Journal: Safety of aluminium from dietary intake (2008): tolerable weekly intake 1 mg/kg bw.
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: mức sử dụng tối đa phụ gia trong thực phẩm
- EFSA Journal (2018). Re-evaluation of aluminium sulphates (E 520-523) and sodium aluminium phosphate (E 541) as food additives