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Gruene Biotechnologie Independent explanations: genetic engineering, plants and food Check a label

What is E 340?

E 340 is the E number of Potassium phosphates. Potassium salts of phosphoric acid, used as acidity regulators and stabilisers.

What is E 340 used for?

E 340 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, stabiliser.

  • Acidity regulator: Acidity regulators alter or control the acidity (pH) of a food.
  • Emulsifying salt: Emulsifying salts disperse proteins in processed cheese so that fat and other components stay evenly distributed.
  • Stabiliser: Stabilisers maintain the physical state of a food, such as an even mixture or colour.

Which foods may contain E 340?

According to the European Commission's database, E 340 may be used in 63 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

  • Dairy products and analogues
  • Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
  • Edible ices
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Confectionery
  • Cereals and cereal products
  • Bakery wares
  • Meat
  • Fish and fisheries products
  • Eggs and egg products
  • Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
  • Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
  • Beverages
  • Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
  • Desserts
  • Food supplements
  • Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 340 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 340 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 340 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Acidity regulator: E 340" or "Acidity regulator: Potassium phosphates".

Sources