What is E338?
Phosphoric acid (E338) is an acidity regulator used in selected foods and drinks. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a preference to notice frequent added acids and highly formulated products.
E338 is an inorganic acid used to adjust acidity and provide a tart profile. Its food use is controlled by category-specific conditions and good manufacturing practice or maximum levels, depending on the jurisdiction.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Phosphoric acid?
E338 is an inorganic acid used to adjust acidity and provide a tart profile. Its food use is controlled by category-specific conditions and good manufacturing practice or maximum levels, depending on the jurisdiction.
What's it used for?
- Adjusting acidity
- Providing tartness
- Supporting stability in selected drinks and foods
- Helping control pH during manufacture
Where you'll find E338 on the shelf
It is most often relevant to acidic drinks, processed foods, sauces and formulation systems.
Is E338 safe? What the regulators say
Phosphoric acid is permitted with conditions, and EFSA has requested data on phosphoric acid and phosphate additives as part of ongoing review work.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists phosphoric acid as additive 338 in Schedule 15, with food-category conditions. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E338 is included in the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified uses. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted under specific food regulations | FDA permits phosphoric acid for specified food uses under the applicable food-additive and food-standard provisions. |
Caution is a preference to notice frequent added acids, not a claim that authorised food-grade E338 causes a health outcome.
- EFSA’s review programme includes phosphoric acid and phosphate additives E338–E341, E343 and E450–E452.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 sets AU/NZ category conditions.
- EU and US permissions depend on the specific food and use.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People limiting added acids
- People comparing acidic drinks and processed foods
- People following individual dietary advice
Goodnessly rates E338 Caution as a practical prompt to consider the whole formulation and frequency of use.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Phosphoric acid
- 338 or E338
- Acidity regulator (338)
- Phosphoric acid in an acid blend
The name may appear with the additive number or a functional class such as acidity regulator.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E338?
E338 is phosphoric acid, an acidity regulator used in selected foods and drinks.
Is E338 permitted?
Yes. E338 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US.
Why is E338 rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a preference to notice frequent added acids and highly formulated products.
How does Goodnessly rate E338?
Goodnessly rates E338 (phosphoric acid) as Caution.
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