What is E342?
Ammonium phosphates (E342) are phosphate salts used for technical functions in specified foods. Goodnessly rates E342 Caution as a prompt to notice the food category and the wider phosphate formulation.
E342 covers monobasic and dibasic ammonium phosphate, used in selected foods for functions such as raising and pH control.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Ammonium phosphate (dibasic and monobasic)?
Ammonium phosphates are salts of ammonia and phosphoric acid. Their chemical properties can support dough systems, pH control and other technical functions where use is permitted.
What's it used for?
- Supporting leavening systems
- Adjusting acidity or pH
- Helping dough structure
- Providing phosphate functionality in selected formulations
Where you'll find E342 on the shelf
It is most relevant to bakery mixes, baked foods and other formulations where a phosphate salt supports processing or texture.
Is E342 permitted? What the regulators say
E342 is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with identity, food-category, purity and use conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists ammonium phosphates as additive 342; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and maximum levels apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E342 ammonium phosphates for specified food categories and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS with conditions | FDA 21 CFR 184.1141a and 184.1141b cover monobasic and dibasic ammonium phosphate for specified technical uses at current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E342 Caution to encourage label and formulation awareness. This is not a claim that permitted use is harmful.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 342
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1141a and 184.1141b
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 tracking phosphate or sodium in the wider diet
- People comparing bakery mixes and formulated foods
- People who want to understand raising agents and pH-control ingredients
Goodnessly rates E342 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Ammonium phosphate
- Monobasic ammonium phosphate
- Dibasic ammonium phosphate
- 342 or E342
Look for ammonium phosphate, monobasic or dibasic ammonium phosphate, E342/342 or the functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E342?
E342 covers monobasic and dibasic ammonium phosphate, phosphate salts used for selected technical functions.
Is E342 permitted?
E342 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use conditions still matter.
Why is ammonium phosphate rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice phosphate salts and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E342?
Goodnessly rates E342 (ammonium phosphate) as Caution.
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