What is E545?
Complete guide to understanding E545 (Ammonium Polyphosphate) — a specialized phosphate emulsifier with dual industrial applications
The Quick Answer
E545 (Ammonium Polyphosphate) is a specialized phosphate emulsifier used in dairy and cheese products — safe at approved use levels but contributes to cumulative dietary phosphate burden.
What makes E545 unique: Unlike broader phosphate emulsifiers (E450, E451, E452), E545 has narrower, more specialized approved uses — primarily in dairy and cheese products where its dual properties (phosphate source and water binder) are particularly valuable. Interestingly, ammonium polyphosphate is also used industrially as a flame retardant, which sometimes causes consumer confusion. However, food-grade E545 is completely separate and safe. Like all phosphate additives, E545 contributes to the cumulative dietary phosphate burden that concerns kidney health professionals.
E545 is safe for general use, but kidney patients should limit all phosphate additives.
📌 Quick Facts
- Chemical Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP)
- Type: Phosphate emulsifier; stabilizer; specialized additive
- Chemical formula: H(NH₄PO₃)ₙOH (polymer)
- Found in: Dairy products, cheese, cheese spreads (primary)
- Primary function: Emulsifier + water binder
- Safety Status: Safe at approved use levels
- Approved by: EU, FDA, JECFA; globally approved
- ADI (JECFA): 0-70 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus from all sources)
- Key concern: Cumulative dietary phosphate; kidney disease patients
- Unique property: Acts as nutrient source for yeast (nitrogen/ammonia)
What Exactly Is It?
E545 is ammonium polyphosphate, a synthetic phosphate polymer used as an emulsifier in specialized food applications — 100% synthetic, chemically manufactured.
Chemical composition: Polymer of phosphate with ammonia; structure H(NH₄PO₃)ₙOH
Appearance: White powder; properties vary by polymerization degree
Key properties:
– Emulsifier: mixes fat and water ingredients
– Water binder: binds water; increases retention
– Stabilizer: maintains consistency
– Phosphate source: provides phosphate to foods
– Ammonium source: provides nitrogen/ammonia to foods
– Nutrient for yeast: acts as yeast nutrient in fermentation
– Heat stable: survives processing without decomposition
– Phosphate-containing: adds to dietary phosphate burden
Important: Industrial Use Confusion
Key distinction: Ammonium polyphosphate is used industrially as a FLAME RETARDANT in coatings and polymers. This is COMPLETELY SEPARATE from food use.
Why this matters:
Consumers sometimes hear “ammonium polyphosphate used in flame retardants” and worry about food use. This is confusion:
– Industrial APP: Used in paints, coatings, polypropylene manufacturing
– Food E545: Food-grade APP for emulsification in dairy products
– They’re the same chemical compound BUT food-grade version is food-safe
– Industrial application is irrelevant to food safety assessment
– Food-grade E545 has undergone separate safety evaluation
No cause for concern: Food-grade E545 is completely safe for its food applications. The flame retardant industrial use does not impact food safety.
Where You’ll Find E545
E545 is used in specific dairy and cheese products as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
| Product Category | Function | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy products (primary) | Emulsifier; stabilizer | Common (primary use) | Yogurts, milk-based drinks |
| Cheese and cheese spreads | Emulsifier; water binder | Common (primary use) | Processed cheese; spreads |
| Processed meats | Stabilizer; emulsifier | Limited | Rare compared to other phosphates |
| Yeast-based foods | Nutrient; stabilizer | Limited | Specialized application |
| Other processed foods | Limited uses | Rare | Much less common than E450-E452 |
Key point: E545 is more specialized than other phosphate emulsifiers; primarily found in dairy and cheese products.
Is E545 Safe? Yes, With Phosphate Caveats
Safety Assessment for General Population
EFSA 2018 re-evaluation confirmed phosphate group safety: “No safety concern at current authorised use and use levels.”
| Safety Criterion | Finding | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity | Very low; safe for food use | Safe |
| Chronic toxicity | No adverse effects at permitted levels | Safe |
| Genotoxicity | No concern (EFSA 2018) | Safe |
| Carcinogenicity | No evidence (EFSA 2018) | Safe |
| ADI (JECFA) | 0-70 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus from all sources) | Safe (general population) |
| Industrial flame retardant use | Irrelevant to food safety; separate assessment | Food-grade E545 is safe |
Special Concerns for Kidney Patients
Kidney disease patients should limit all phosphate additives including E545.
Why phosphate matters for kidney disease:
– Kidney disease impairs phosphate regulation
– Excessive dietary phosphate increases mortality in CKD
– E545 contributes to cumulative phosphate burden
– Healthcare organizations recommend limiting phosphate additives
The Bottom Line
E545 (Ammonium Polyphosphate) is safe at approved use levels, particularly for dairy and cheese applications.
For general healthy population:
- It’s safe: EFSA confirmed 2018; no toxicity concerns
- It’s specialized: Used primarily in dairy and cheese (narrower scope than E450-E452)
- The flame retardant industrial use is irrelevant: Food-grade E545 is separate and safe
- It contributes to phosphate intake: But healthy kidneys easily regulate
- No action needed: Normal consumption poses no health risk
For kidney disease patients:
- It should be limited: Part of general phosphate additive restriction
- Check labels on dairy/cheese: Look for E338-341, E343, E450-452, E540-545
- Work with dietitian: Personalized guidance essential