E541: Sodium Aluminium Phosphate
Main role: raising-system acid
Also listed as: sodium aluminum phosphate, SALP, acidic sodium aluminium phosphate
What is E541 (Sodium Aluminium Phosphate)?
E541 refers to an acidic sodium aluminium phosphate used in specified raising-agent applications. It can provide an acid component that reacts with bicarbonate during baking. Its identity is different from sodium phosphates that do not contain aluminium.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is raising-system acid. Phosphate ingredients have several recipe roles, including acidity control, water management, and texture. Some codes cover multiple related salts, so the full ingredient name is useful when identifying a specific preparation.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified bakery raising systems
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E541, E 541, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium aluminum phosphate, SALP, acidic sodium aluminium phosphate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
An aluminium-containing baking acid has a defined food-use context. Do not confuse it with metallic aluminium E173 or assume that all phosphate ingredients contain aluminium.
Is E541 safe?
EFSA’s 2018 review assessed aluminium sulphates and acidic sodium aluminium phosphate specifically. This is a different assessment from the 2019 review of other phosphate additives. EFSA aluminium-containing additives review (2018).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E541 as Sodium aluminium phosphate acidic. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.