What is E340?
Potassium phosphate, dibasic (E340(ii)) is a phosphate salt used for acidity control and other technical functions. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the food category and total phosphate formulation.
E340(ii) is dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, a permitted phosphate salt used for acidity control, emulsifying-salt and sequestrant functions in specified foods.
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What is Potassium phosphate, dibasic?
Dibasic potassium phosphate is a potassium salt of phosphoric acid. It can buffer acidity and help manage the behaviour of ingredients in a formulation.
What's it used for?
- Buffering and adjusting acidity
- Supporting emulsifying-salt functions
- Sequestering minerals in selected formulations
- Supplying potassium or phosphate where permitted
Where you'll find E340 on the shelf
It is most relevant to processed foods, formulated mixes and products where buffering or phosphate functionality is needed.
Is E340 permitted? What the regulators say
Potassium phosphate, dibasic is permitted in the three systems checked, subject to food-category, purity and good manufacturing practice conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ includes potassium phosphates (INS 340) in the Food Standards Code; the relevant Schedule 15 category and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E340 potassium phosphates. Individual forms such as E340(ii) remain subject to the listed category conditions and specifications. |
| US United States (FDA) | GRAS for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 182.6285 lists dipotassium phosphate as GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E340 Caution to encourage awareness of phosphate salts and the wider formulation. This does not say authorised use is harmful.
Eco score: Coming Soon.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, INS 340 potassium phosphates.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 for authorised use and specifications.
- FDA 21 CFR 182.6285 covers dipotassium phosphate.
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 potassium or phosphate intake
- People comparing highly formulated foods
- People who prefer to notice buffering and emulsifying salts
Goodnessly rates E340 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Potassium phosphate, dibasic
- 340 or E340
- 340(ii) or INS 340(ii)
- Acidity regulator (340)
The name may be written out or shown as 340/E340, sometimes with the form in brackets.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E340(ii)?
E340(ii) is dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, a phosphate salt used for permitted technical functions.
Is E340(ii) permitted?
E340(ii) is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The applicable category and good manufacturing practice conditions still matter.
Why is potassium phosphate rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice phosphate salts, potassium and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E340?
Goodnessly rates E340 (potassium phosphate, dibasic) as Caution.
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