Orthophosphoric acid

In the current applications authorisation is sought, under article 4(1)^1,2 and under 10(2)² for orthophosphoric acid (E338) under the category "technological additives", functional group 1a "preservatives" according to the classification system of Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. According to both Applicants, the feed additive is a clear, colourless, odourless, viscous liquid with a purity ranging from 67 % to 85.7 %. Authorisation is sought for the use of the feed additive for all categories and species.

For the identification and quantification of the orthophosphoric acid in the feed additive, the EURL recommends for official control the internationally recognised JECFA Monograph 'Phosphoric acid' methods as suggested by the Applicant¹.

The unambiguous determination of orthophosphoric acidin premixtures and feedingstuffs is not achievable by analytical methods. Hence, the EURL does not recommend for official control any methods for the determination of orthophosphoric acidin premixtures and feedingstuffs.

Further testing or validation of the methods to be performed through the consortium of National Reference Laboratories as specified by Article 10 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 378/2005) is not considered necessary.

¹ FAD-2010-0268; ² FAD-2010-0011

Recommended Method

as of:

- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1185

 For the determination of orthophosphoric acid in the feed additive: 

• Titration with sodium hydroxide (JECFA Monograph ‘phosphoric acid’)

For the determination of total phosphorus in premixtures: 

• Method based on Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (Annex III)