Phosphoric acid
Function: Antioxidant
E338 is the European food-additive number for Phosphoric acid, an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. Phosphoric acid (E338) is an antioxidant used as a food additive.
What is E338 used for?
Phosphoric acid (E338) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E338 safe or restricted?
E338 faces restrictions under EU rules on how, where, or in what quantities it may be used. Forkin classifies it as “Restricted use” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E338
- What is E338?
- E338 is the E-number for Phosphoric acid, an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. Phosphoric acid (E338) is an antioxidant used as a food additive.
- What is E338 used for?
- Phosphoric acid (E338) is an antioxidant — used to stop fats and oils going rancid and to protect colour. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E338 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E338 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E338 faces restrictions under EU rules on how, where, or in what quantities it may be used. Forkin classifies it as "Restricted use" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E338 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.