Is E339 halal?

What is E339?

Sodium phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid and sodium. They are made by neutralising purified phosphoric acid with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. The code covers monosodium phosphate (E339 i), disodium phosphate (E339 ii) and trisodium phosphate (E339 iii).

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

The phosphate comes from mined phosphate rock, purified into food-grade phosphoric acid, and the sodium comes from mineral salts. Nothing from animals and no alcohol or fermentation is involved in making it, so sodium phosphates are generally regarded as halal.

How to check the label

No special check is needed. Sodium phosphates appear on labels as E339 or by name, sometimes together with other phosphates such as E450 or E451.

Where you'll find it

• processed cheese
• cooked meat products
• instant desserts
• evaporated milk

Good to know

• In 2019 EFSA set a group ADI for phosphates of 40 mg per kg body weight per day, expressed as phosphorus.
• EFSA estimated that total phosphate intake from the whole diet exceeded this ADI on average for infants, toddlers and children.

Similar additives

• E450 Diphosphates Generally halal
• E500 Sodium carbonates (baking soda) Generally halal
• E171 Titanium dioxide Generally halal
• E551 Silicon dioxide Generally halal
• E260 Acetic acid Generally halal
• E270 Lactic acid Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of phosphates E338–E452 (2019)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

Frequently asked questions