What is E541?
Sodium aluminium phosphate (E541) is a leavening, emulsifying or texturising salt used in selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Avoid as a preference to limit routine phosphate additives.
E541 is a family of acidic or basic sodium aluminium phosphate salts. It can help with leavening and texture in specified food applications. Regulators set identity, purity and use conditions.
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What is Sodium aluminium phosphate?
E541 is a family of acidic or basic sodium aluminium phosphate salts. It can help with leavening and texture in specified food applications. Regulators set identity, purity and use conditions.
What's it used for?
- Supporting leavening in baked foods
- Helping control texture in selected processed foods
- Acting as an emulsifier or texturiser in specified applications
Where you'll find E541 on the shelf
It is most relevant to baked goods, dry mixes and formulated foods that need controlled texture or leavening.
Is E541 safe? What the regulators say
E541 has specified permissions in all three regions checked, but the exact food categories and conditions differ. The Goodnessly tier is not a claim that permitted use is unlawful.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sodium aluminium phosphate as additive 541 in Schedule 15 with category-specific permissions. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E541 is on the EU Union list. EFSA working documents identify sodium aluminium phosphate acidic as part of the aluminium-salt re-evaluation programme. |
| US United States (FDA) | Listed under 21 CFR 182.1781 and 182.90 | FDA’s Food Substances record lists sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic or basic, with specified technical effects and food regulations. |
The term “aluminium” on a label does not by itself describe exposure or risk. The page summarises regulatory status and Goodnessly’s preference rating, not medical advice.
- FDA’s Food Substances record lists 21 CFR 182.1781 and 182.90 for sodium aluminium phosphate.
- EFSA working-group material identifies sodium aluminium phosphate acidic for re-evaluation.
- FSANZ’s current Schedule 15 sets the Australian/New Zealand use conditions.
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 phosphate or aluminium-containing additives
- People comparing baking mixes and processed foods
- People following individual dietary advice from a clinician
Goodnessly rates E541 Avoid as a preference to reduce routine phosphate additives; the three regional systems still set their own permissions.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sodium aluminium phosphate
- 541 or E541
- Raising agent (541)
- Sodium aluminium phosphate acidic
Ingredient lists may use the name, the code, or a functional class followed by the code.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E541?
E541 is sodium aluminium phosphate, an additive used in specified leavening, emulsifying or texturising applications.
Is E541 permitted?
Yes, E541 has specified permissions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US, subject to each system’s conditions.
Why do people avoid E541?
Some households prefer to limit routine phosphate or aluminium-containing additive names; that preference is not the same as a regulator finding of definite harm.
How does Goodnessly rate E541?
Goodnessly rates E541 (sodium aluminium phosphate) as Avoid.
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