antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents

E339 — Sodium Phosphates

Acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, raising agent

Also known as: Sodium Phosphates · Disodium Phosphate · Trisodium Phosphate · Monosodium Phosphate

Verification required

Verify — Mushbooh

Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

Function Acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, raising agent
Found in processed cheese, cured meats & more
Source mineral (phosphate rock)

Checking this in a shop right now?

Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code

HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe

Neither? Follow the steps below.

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Verify source

Maliki

May permit

Shafi'i

Avoid if animal

Hanbali

Avoid if animal

Mushbooh - in Europe, phosphates can be derived from animal bones. USA production is from mineral sources (halal). 'Suitable for vegetarians' label confirms mineral source.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim

If present, E339 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.

Vegan / vegetarian claim = plant-sourced = safe
2

Look for a halal certification logo on the pack

An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.

Certified logo = independently verified

Neither? Here's what to do next:

📍 In store

Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.

Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.

Did you find a certified alternative?

🌐 Shopping online

Verified halal alternatives:

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Background & Details

About E339

Miscellaneous - phosphoric acid and its salts. Phosphate in Europe is also obtained from animal bones. So please the check the source of phosphate. &Quot;suitable for vegetarian" label on food package indicates that it is obtained from from mineral.&Quot; in USA it is obtained from minerals and it is Halal.

Verification Required

This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.

What is E339 made from?

  • mineral (phosphate rock)
  • animal bones (Europe - some producers)

Foods that commonly contain E339

Food Category Guide

E339 is common in processed cheese — see the full halal guide →

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E339 (Sodium Phosphates) halal?

E339 (Sodium Phosphates) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

What is E339 used for?

E339 is used as a acidity regulator, emulsifying salt, raising agent in food products.

What foods contain E339?

E339 (Sodium Phosphates) is commonly found in: processed cheese, cured meats, cereals, baked goods, soft drinks.

What is E339 made from?

E339 can be derived from the following sources: mineral (phosphate rock), animal bones (Europe - some producers).

What are the other names for E339?

E339 may appear on food labels as: Sodium Phosphates, Disodium Phosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Monosodium Phosphate.

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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.