Calcium Phosphate

Identifiers

Calcium phosphates
Tricalcium phosphate
CAS No. 1306-06-5
INS No. 341(iii)
E 341

Physical Description

Calcium phosphate is a white, odorless, synthetically prepared powder consisting predominantly of precipitated Ca5OH(PO4)3. 

Specifications

JECFA (for use as an anticaking agent, buffer)

FDA

EU Commission (as a food additive)

Regulatory Approvals

JECFA: group MTDI for phosphorus from all sources, expressed as P when used as a buffering agent (26th meeting, 1973)
USA: Calcium phosphate is exempt from certification and was permanently listed in 2025. Calcium phosphate can be safely used in ready-to-eat chicken products in an amount not exceeding 1.5% by weight of the finished food; in white candy melts in an amount not exceeding 0.25% by weight of the finished food; in doughnut sugar in an amount not exceeding 2.0% by weight of the finished food; and in sugar for coated candies in an amount not exceeding 5.25% by weight of the finished food. (21 CFR 73.80).

EU:
Group ADI for phosphates expressed as phosphorus of 40 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day (EFSA, 2011). EFSA has authorized use for phosphates, including calcium phosphate, for use as a food additive.

Safety Reviews

Evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants (26th report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) WHO technical report series 683. Available online

FDA Final amendment; order; 90 FR 20097; 5/12/2025. Available online

EFSA FAF Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavorings), Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates – di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338–341, E 343,E 450–452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use. EFSA Journal 2019;17(6):5674, Available online