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E338 Phosphoric Acid is an inorganic acid widely used in food and beverage applications as an acidity regulator, flavoring acid, and processing aid, and E338 Phosphoric Acid is valued for strong acidification, clean sourness, and reliable pH control.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is especially common in cola-type beverages where E338 Phosphoric Acid contributes characteristic sharp acidity, and E338 Phosphoric Acid is also used in processed foods, dairy applications, and some functional products for stable pH adjustment.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is typically supplied as an aqueous solution of various concentrations, and E338 Phosphoric Acid performance depends on concentration, buffering, and overall formulation design in the target product.
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
EC Number: 231-633-2
Molecular Formula: H3PO4
Molecular Weight: 98.00 g/mol
Synonyms: E338 Phosphoric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Food Grade Phosphoric Acid, Phosphoric Acid Solution, Phosphoric Acid Acidulant, E338, Phosphoric Acid Acidity Regulator, Phosphoric Acid for Cola, Orthophosphoric Acid Food Additive, Phosphoric Acid pH Adjuster, Phosphoric Acid Beverage Acid, E338 Phosphoric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Ortho-Phosphoric Acid, o-Phosphoric Acid, Phosphoric(V) Acid, Phosphoric Acid 85%, Phosphoric Acid 75%, Phosphoric Acid 80%, Phosphoric Acid 90%, Food Grade Phosphoric Acid, Technical Grade Phosphoric Acid, Pharmaceutical Grade Phosphoric Acid, Industrial Grade Phosphoric Acid, Reagent Grade Phosphoric Acid, Analytical Grade Phosphoric Acid, Laboratory Grade Phosphoric Acid, High Purity Phosphoric Acid, Pure Phosphoric Acid, Phosphoric Acid Solution, Phosphoric Acid Liquid, Phosphoric Acid Syrup, Phosphoric Acid Concentrate, Phosphoric Acid FCC, Phosphoric Acid USP, Phosphoric Acid BP, Phosphoric Acid EP, Phosphoric Acid JP, Phosphoric Acid NF, Phosphoric Acid Food Additive, Phosphoric Acid Acidulant, Phosphoric Acid Acidity Regulator, Phosphoric Acid pH Regulator, Phosphoric Acid pH Adjuster, Phosphoric Acid Buffering Agent, Phosphoric Acid Processing Aid, Phosphoric Acid Chelating Agent, Phosphoric Acid Sequestering Agent, Phosphoric Acid Descaling Agent, Phosphoric Acid Rust Remover, Phosphoric Acid Cleaning Agent, Phosphoric Acid Inorganic Acid, Mineral Acid, Tribasic Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphate Acid, H3PO4, H₃PO₄, Phosphoric Acid H3PO4
APPLICATIONS
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in cola beverages to provide characteristic sharp acidity and balance sweetness.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is incorporated into soft drinks and flavored beverages to adjust pH and improve flavor brightness.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in beverage concentrates and syrups to maintain consistent acidity after dilution.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in processed foods to adjust pH and support product stability in compatible formulations.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is incorporated into sauces and condiments to provide acidity and improve flavor balance.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in jam and fruit preparations in selected applications to control pH and improve flavor profile.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in dairy-based products in selected applications to adjust acidity and influence protein behavior.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is incorporated into processed cheese systems as part of phosphate/citrate salt systems to support pH and texture control in compatible designs.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in dairy beverages to provide controlled acidity and stable flavor.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in baking powders and bakery mixes in some applications to control acidity and leavening reaction behavior.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is incorporated into specialty bakery formulations where phosphate chemistry supports processing performance.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in bakery fillings to stabilize acidity and improve flavor brightness.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in confectionery to adjust acidity and provide sourness in compatible formulations.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is incorporated into sour candies and gels to provide sharp acid impact.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in beverage powders and instant drink mixes to provide stable acidity in dry systems.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used as a pH adjuster in functional foods and supplements where stable acidity is required.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is incorporated into mineral-containing formulations to control pH and improve solubility in compatible systems.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in effervescent systems in selected applications to support controlled acid-base reaction behavior.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is used in food processing cleaning and sanitation in some contexts, but E338 Phosphoric Acid must be handled carefully due to corrosive properties at high concentrations.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is valued because E338 Phosphoric Acid provides strong, stable acidity with consistent pH control and distinctive taste contribution, especially in beverages.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used as an acidulant in carbonated soft drinks to provide sharp acidity.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports the characteristic tart profile of cola beverages.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps stabilize beverage pH for taste and shelf life.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in diet and regular cola formulations to control acidity precisely.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports consistent flavor balance across production batches.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps maintain carbonation bite perception when paired with CO2.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in flavored beverages to adjust pH where a non-citrus acid profile is desired.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports a clean, sharp sourness without strong fruit association.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve flavor definition in some beverage systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in beverage syrups and concentrates for stable acidity control.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports predictable pH after dilution and mixing.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps reduce microbial growth risk by maintaining low pH.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in sports and functional beverages to adjust pH in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports acid balance in electrolyte and energy drink systems in some designs.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve overall taste and stability when compatible with other ingredients.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in sugar syrups and flavored syrups to control pH and prevent crystallization issues in some systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports consistent syrup stability during storage.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps maintain flavor quality by controlling acidity.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in jam and fruit preparation processing to adjust pH in some recipes.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports pH targets that improve gel performance in selected systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve microbial stability of acidified spreads in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in canned and jarred foods to help meet acidified food pH targets in some recipes.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports safe pH control in shelf-stable acidified products.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps reduce need for severe heat treatment in some designs.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in processed cheese and cheese sauces to adjust pH and mineral balance in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports control of calcium equilibrium and emulsification when paired with phosphate salts.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve melt behavior and reduce separation in some cheese systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in meat processing as a pH adjuster in some marinade and brine applications.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports improved water holding and tenderness in some meat systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve yield when used within validated recipes.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in seafood processing to adjust pH in some rinses and marinades.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports quality control in selected seafood treatments.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps reduce spoilage risk when combined with cold chain and validated hurdles.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in sugar confectionery to adjust acidity in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports specific sour profiles in certain candies.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps stabilize pH in sugar systems when compatible.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in bakery as a pH adjuster in some recipes and fillings.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports pH control for flavor and microbial stability.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps stabilize processing performance in selected baked goods.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used as a cleaning and descaling agent in food and beverage plants.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports removal of mineral deposits from equipment and lines.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps restore heat transfer efficiency by removing scale.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in CIP programs to remove beerstone and milkstone from processing equipment.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports dissolution of calcium-based deposits.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve hygiene and reduce fouling in plant operations.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in household cleaners for descaling and rust removal in some products.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports removal of limescale and mineral deposits in bathrooms.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps dissolve rust stains on some surfaces when properly used.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in industrial metal cleaning as a rust remover and surface conditioner.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports conversion of iron oxides to phosphate layers in some treatments.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps prepare metal surfaces for painting and coating.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in phosphating processes to create corrosion-resistant conversion coatings on steel.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports improved paint adhesion in automotive and appliance manufacturing.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve corrosion performance of coated metals.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in metal finishing baths as an acidity source for phosphate conversion and cleaning.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports controlled pH and phosphate chemistry in finishing lines.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve surface uniformity before coating.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in fertilizer production as a key feedstock for phosphate fertilizers.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports manufacture of MAP, DAP, and other phosphate fertilizers.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps supply essential phosphorus nutrient for agriculture.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in animal feed as a phosphorus source and acidifier in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports mineral nutrition and feed formulation balance.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve stability of some feed premixes.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in water treatment to control scale and corrosion in some systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports phosphate dosing programs to manage metal dissolution.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps stabilize water chemistry under controlled operation.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used to adjust pH in industrial process water streams in some applications.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports controlled acidification compared with some mineral acids in selected uses.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve performance of downstream treatment chemistry.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in pharmaceuticals as an acidifying agent in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports pH adjustment in oral liquids and syrups in some products.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps stabilize pH-sensitive active ingredients in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in dental materials and etching gels in controlled professional applications.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports enamel etching to improve bonding of restorative materials.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps create micro-retention for adhesive dentistry under professional use.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in laboratory chemistry as a reagent and acid source.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports preparation of phosphate buffers when paired with phosphate salts.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps control pH in analytical and biochemical experiments.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in analytical chemistry for sample preparation and digestion in some methods.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports controlled acidification without introducing chloride ions.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve method compatibility in certain instrumental analyses.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in electronics manufacturing to clean and etch metals in some processes.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports removal of oxide films under controlled conditions.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps prepare surfaces for subsequent plating or bonding.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in battery and energy material processing as an acid source in some syntheses.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports phosphate-based material production in some routes.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps enable production of iron phosphate and related materials in selected applications.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in detergent and cleaner manufacturing as a pH adjuster in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports effective cleaning by dissolving mineral deposits.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps improve performance of descaling products.
E338 Phosphoric acid is used in product development to tune acidity and mineral balance in beverages and foods.
E338 Phosphoric acid supports achieving target pH while maintaining desired sensory profile.
E338 Phosphoric acid helps optimize stability and processing performance in formulated products.
DESCRIPTION
E338 Phosphoric Acid is an inorganic acid commonly supplied as an aqueous solution, and food-grade E338 Phosphoric Acid is purified to meet quality requirements for edible applications.
E338 Phosphoric Acid provides strong acidity and can contribute a sharp, clean sour taste, and E338 Phosphoric Acid is especially associated with the flavor profile of cola beverages.
E338 Phosphoric Acid lowers pH, and this pH reduction can support microbial stability strategies when combined with proper processing controls, but E338 Phosphoric Acid is not a standalone preservative.
E338 Phosphoric Acid participates in buffering systems with phosphate salts, and buffering can stabilize pH and improve processing tolerance in some formulations.
E338 Phosphoric Acid is corrosive at higher concentrations and can cause burns, so PPE and careful handling are required in industrial environments.
E338 Phosphoric Acid should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E338 Phosphoric Acid should be stored in compatible, corrosion-resistant containers away from strong bases and reactive metals.
E338 Phosphoric Acid should be added to water slowly during dilution to control heat release and splashing.
E338 Phosphoric Acid handling areas should have adequate ventilation and spill control measures.
E338 Phosphoric acid is an inorganic mineral acid commonly supplied as an aqueous solution.
E338 Phosphoric acid is colorless to slightly yellow depending on purity and grade.
E338 Phosphoric acid is a triprotic acid that forms phosphate salts and provides buffering behavior with phosphate systems.
E338 Phosphoric acid is widely used as an acidulant in cola beverages and as a pH adjuster in foods.
E338 Phosphoric acid is also a major industrial chemical used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers and phosphate salts.
E338 Phosphoric acid is commonly used in metal cleaning and phosphating to improve corrosion resistance and paint adhesion.
E338 Phosphoric acid can be corrosive and requires appropriate handling, compatible materials, and safety precautions.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: H3PO4
Molecular Weight: 98.00 g/mol
Common Name: E338 Phosphoric Acid (Orthophosphoric Acid)
Chemical Type: Inorganic acid; acidity regulator; acidulant; pH adjuster
Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow liquid (aqueous solution)
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Strong, sharp sour taste
Solubility: Miscible with water
pKa Values: ~2.15, ~7.20, and ~12.35 (typical)
Stability: Stable under normal storage; reacts with strong bases and some metals
Corrosivity: Corrosive at higher concentrations; can cause burns
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, ventilated area
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, breathing difficulty, or irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying and hot handling.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash with soap and water after thorough rinsing.
Seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation with concentrated material.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because eye exposure can cause serious injury.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Give water to drink if the person is conscious and not convulsing.
Seek immediate medical attention, especially for concentrated solutions.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Assess for corrosive injury depending on concentration and exposure duration.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or face shield, and protective clothing for concentrated E338 Phosphoric Acid.
Avoid breathing mists and avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Add acid to water slowly during dilution to control heat release and splashing.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control mist levels.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without adequate airflow.
Keep containers closed when not in use to minimize exposure.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Keep away from strong bases, reactive metals, and incompatible chemicals.
Protect from heat and direct sunlight and keep containers properly labeled.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Ventilate the area and use appropriate PPE for spill response.
Contain spill with inert absorbent and neutralize carefully with suitable neutralizing agent if trained and permitted.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Control concentration and dosing because E338 Phosphoric Acid significantly affects pH, flavor profile, and mineral balance in formulations.
Verify product pH and titratable acidity during formulation to ensure safety and desired sensory outcome.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and inspect containers for compatibility and integrity.
