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Mineral saltINS 450
E450

Diphosphates

What you need to know

Diphosphates are mineral salts that hold moisture in processed meats and act as raising agents in baking.

They count toward the same total-phosphate limit as phosphoric acid. People who eat a lot of processed food can approach that group limit.

Regulators permit them with maximum levels.

Where it stands, by region

The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.

🇦🇺AU / NZApproved
Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code).
🇪🇺EUApproved
Permitted (EFSA).
🇺🇸USApproved
Permitted (FDA).
🇨🇦CAApproved
Permitted (Health Canada).

Health evidence

How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.

Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Counts toward total phosphate intake
Suspected
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown

Di-, tri- and polyphosphate salts share EFSA's 2019 group ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day expressed as phosphorus.

Synthesis: Synthetic (mineral-derived)ADI 40 mg/kg bw/day (group, as P)