Sodium Aluminium Phosphate
Also known as: E541
EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation concluded E541 poses no safety concern at current authorized uses; however a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg Al/kg bw applies to total dietary aluminium, and 95th-percentile exposure in toddlers/children can reach the TWI. Authorised in EU under Regulation 1333/2008 with restricted uses.
What it is
Sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic (SALP) — an aluminium-containing inorganic salt used as a leavening acid.
Slow-acting acid in chemical leavening systems for baked goods; reacts with sodium bicarbonate to release CO2 during baking.
Why it's flagged
- Cumulative aluminium exposure, especially in children
- Possible neurotoxicity at high cumulative intake
What regulators actually say
"sodium aluminium phosphate, acidic (E 541) is of no safety concern in the current authorised uses and use levels"
"the Panel established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg Al/kg body weight, which took into account the potential accumulation of dietary aluminium in the body"
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS / approved as leavening agent (21 CFR 182.1781)
European Union — EFSA
Authorised; TWI 1 mg Al/kg bw/week (EFSA 2018)
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