INS 340 / E340StabiliserVegan

Potassium Phosphates (INS 340)

TL;DR

INS 340 is the family of potassium phosphates, the potassium salts of phosphoric acid. On Indian packs they show up in processed cheese slices, dairy stabilisers, sports drinks (as a potassium source), and infant formula (where they contribute to the mineral profile). It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.

Quick Facts

INS Number
340
E-Number
E340
Category
Stabiliser
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (1982)
Composition
Not a single compound. INS 340 is the umbrella code for three potassium salts of phosphoric acid: 340(i) monopotassium phosphate (MKP, KH2PO4), 340(ii) dipotassium phosphate (DKP, K2HPO4), and 340(iii) tripotassium phosphate (TKP, K3PO4). They share similar functions (acidity regulator, sequestrant, stabiliser, emulsifying salt, mineral nutrient) but differ slightly in solubility and pH effect. On Indian labels the umbrella name 'potassium phosphate(s)' is the most common form; the specific sub-code is usually only on the technical data sheet.

What is INS 340?

INS 340 is the family of potassium phosphates, the potassium salts of phosphoric acid. On Indian packs they show up in processed cheese slices, dairy stabilisers, sports drinks (as a potassium source), and infant formula (where they contribute to the mineral profile).

Why brands add it

Brands use them because potassium phosphates do several jobs in one ingredient: they buffer acidity in dairy drinks, hold the calcium-protein structure in processed cheese, supply potassium as a mineral nutrient where a low-sodium formulation matters, and stop minerals from precipitating in clear sports drinks. They are workhorse functional additives in dairy and beverage manufacturing.

Where you'll find it

INS 340 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:

  • processed cheese slices and spreads
  • flavoured milk and dairy beverages
  • sports drinks and electrolyte beverages
  • infant formula (mineral fortification)
  • dairy whitener and milk powder
  • protein powders (buffering agents)
  • some non-alcoholic beverages

Veg or non-veg? - Vegan

Potassium phosphates are produced by neutralising phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. No animal product is used in their manufacture.

FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation

FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as buffering, sequestering, and emulsifying agents under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits, often expressed as phosphorus. The processed-cheese and dairy-stabiliser categories specifically permit the phosphate emulsifying-salt class to which INS 340 belongs.

JECFA: JECFA's 26th meeting (1982) established a group MTDI of 70 mg/kg body weight expressed as phosphorus for the phosphate group (phosphoric acid INS 338 plus phosphates INS 339-343 plus diphosphates / triphosphates / polyphosphates INS 450-452); this MTDI is still on the JECFA record and reflects total phosphorus from natural food sources and added phosphates combined. EFSA's 2019 re-evaluation set a more conservative group ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight per day expressed as phosphorus for the same group (E338-E341, E343, E450-E452), citing exposure-exceedance findings in adolescents and cardiovascular-kidney evidence in the CKD population; JECFA has not aligned with this revision. EFSA's 2019 ADI does not apply to people with moderate-to-severe reduction in kidney function (CKD), which the panel explicitly noted as a vulnerable population.

Also known as

On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 340 is also called:

340340(i)340(ii)340(iii)340i340ii340iiiins 340ins 340(i)ins 340 ie340e 340potassium phosphatepotassium phosphatesmonopotassium phosphatedipotassium phosphatetripotassium phosphatemkpdkptkppotassium dihydrogen phosphatedipotassium hydrogen phosphatemineral salt potassiumpotassium salt of phosphoric acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 340 (potassium phosphates) safe?+
JECFA's 26th meeting (1982) set a group MTDI of 70 mg/kg body weight expressed as phosphorus for the phosphate-additive group, and EFSA's 2019 re-evaluation set a more conservative group ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight per day expressed as phosphorus, equivalent to about 2,800 mg of phosphorus per day for a 70 kg adult. EFSA's 2019 ADI does not apply to people with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), who handle dietary phosphate differently and need to discuss intake with their nephrologist. Potassium phosphates carry a second consideration on top of the phosphate ADI for CKD patients: potassium itself is restricted on most CKD diets because impaired kidneys cannot clear high potassium loads, so people on a low-potassium diet for kidney or cardiac reasons should treat INS 340 the same as any other potassium-rich ingredient. For the general adult population at typical processed-food intake, the contribution of INS 340 to total daily phosphorus is a meaningful share but well within both ADIs; the food permission was not withdrawn after the 2019 re-evaluation, only revised. For specific CKD or potassium-restriction questions, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian; this entry is regulatory background, not medical advice.
Is INS 340 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Potassium phosphates are produced by neutralising phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. No animal product is used in their manufacture.
Is INS 340 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI as buffering, sequestering, and emulsifying agents under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits, often expressed as phosphorus. The processed-cheese and dairy-stabiliser categories specifically permit the phosphate emulsifying-salt class to which INS 340 belongs.
What is INS 340 used for?+
Brands use them because potassium phosphates do several jobs in one ingredient: they buffer acidity in dairy drinks, hold the calcium-protein structure in processed cheese, supply potassium as a mineral nutrient where a low-sodium formulation matters, and stop minerals from precipitating in clear sports drinks. They are workhorse functional additives in dairy and beverage manufacturing.
Is INS 340 (also written as E340) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 340 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E340 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (potassium phosphates).

Sources

Last verified: 2026-05-12.

Regulatory status, not medical advice
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.

Related ingredients

INS 339

Sodium Phosphates

Sequestrant
INS 341

Calcium Phosphates

Stabiliser
INS 450

Diphosphates

Stabiliser
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