Inhaltsstoff · Zusatzstoff
Phosphorsäure
E-Nummer E338
Auch bekannt als: E338, ácido fosfórico
Safe as a cola acid at normal amounts, but heavy soda drinkers—especially kids—can add up on phosphate intake.
Phosphoric acid (E338) is the sour, tangy acid used in colas and some processed foods. On its own, at the levels found in drinks and food, it's not toxic, but EU regulators flagged that combined phosphate additives can push some heavy consumers, particularly children who drink a lot of soda, close to or over the safe daily limit.
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Why it matters
Phosphoric acid gives colas their sharp, tangy taste and also acts as an antioxidant and 'sequestrant' — a substance that grabs onto trace metals in a drink to stop them causing off-flavours or discoloration. It's the reason colas are more acidic than most other sodas. In the body, phosphoric acid breaks down into phosphate, a mineral your body already needs for bones, teeth and energy metabolism. Most people get plenty of phosphate from food anyway (meat, dairy, grains), so the amount added via cola is usually a small top-up, not a new hazard.
Quellen (3)
- 1.EFSA: Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates as food additives (E 338–341, E343, E450–452)(efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
- 2.Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II
- 3.US FDA 21 CFR 184.1061 Phosphoric acid
