Is Bone Phosphate (E542) Vegan?

Vegan status: Not Vegan

E-number: E542

Also known as: Tribasic calcium phosphate (bone source), Animal calcium phosphate

Source

Produced from the bones of slaughtered cattle or pigs, processed into a fine powder used as an anti-caking agent.

Commonly found in

Some powdered foods, dietary supplements, processed cheese, dried milk powder.

Vegan alternative: Synthetic calcium phosphate (also labeled E341) which is produced without animal bones.

Notes

Often confused with synthetic calcium phosphate. The distinction is only clear if the manufacturer specifies the source. Increasingly rare in mainstream food products as synthetic alternatives become cheaper.