Is Bone Phosphate Safe?
Bone Phosphate is the additive E542 — a phosphate made from ground animal bones — not vegan and generally treated as haram.
Is Bone Phosphate safe to eat?
E542 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E542 is not considered harmful.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — acceptable daily intake (ADI) or conditions of use apply
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Bone Phosphate?
E542 is the E-number for bone phosphate, one of the anti-caking agents group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group stop powders and granules clumping together. Made from ground animal bones. Bone phosphate is exactly what it sounds like — phosphate extracted from ground, degreased animal bones. It is now rare in food but still appears in supplements and toothpaste. Like every E-number, E542 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E542 in detail below.
What foods contain Bone Phosphate?
E542 (Bone Phosphate) is typically found in:
- Some supplements and tablets
- Toothpaste
- Historically: dried milk and cosmetics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bone Phosphate bad for you?
E542 is approved at regulated levels in the EU, UK and US, but some concerns exist — see the safety section above. Most people can consume it in normal amounts without harm.
Is Bone Phosphate vegan?
E542 is not vegan. Made from ground animal bones.
Is Bone Phosphate halal?
E542 is treated as haram unless certified. Made from ground animal bones, and without halal certification the source cannot be verified as permissible.
Full guide to E542 (Bone Phosphate) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).