Sodium aluminum phosphate

Additive · E 541

Sodium aluminum phosphate is a group of salts used to change food texture. The acidic form helps doughs and batters rise, while the basic form can blend ingredients in processed cheese. Permitted forms and uses vary between countries and food categories.

Also known as

SALP · sodium aluminium phosphate · sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic · sodium aluminum phosphate, acidic · sodium aluminium phosphate, basic · sodium aluminum phosphate, basic · KASAL · aluminum sodium phosphate · E 541 · INS 541(i) · INS 541(ii)

Why PRūF tracks it

SALP contributes absorbable aluminum, and high cumulative exposure deserves attention, particularly in children or people with reduced kidney clearance; recent food measurements raise questions without establishing long-term human harm from permitted use.

Read the research

Sodium aluminum phosphate includes acidic SALP, used for raising baked foods, and basic KASAL, used for blending or stabilizing ingredients. EU number E 541 covers the acidic form. Safety assessment focuses mainly on aluminum exposure, while phosphate is a separate part of the ingredient. Aluminum is absorbed poorly, but absorbed amounts can accumulate; kidney function affects clearance.

EFSA uses a weekly intake value of 1 milligram aluminum per kilogram of body weight, while JECFA uses 2 milligrams. Both cover total aluminum from food, not just this additive. In 18 healthy adults, one week of high-SALP pancakes increased urinary aluminum, showing absorption without demonstrating illness. EFSA judged its narrowly authorized EU use safe, but that finding does not describe intake in countries allowing broader uses.

A 2026 study found substantial aluminum in some flour tortillas, and a conservative Brazilian child-exposure model prioritized SALP for closer assessment. Neither measured clinical harm. EPA also identified weaknesses in older SALP animal studies. Canada removed emulsifying and stabilizing permissions while retaining specified baking-related uses.

New Zealand requested a standards review after elevated food measurements; a completed ban or review outcome was not verified. The review considers cumulative exposure and incomplete long-term evidence.

Research reviewed on September 5, 2026 · 12 sources