# Ammonium Phosphate, Monobasic

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 7722-76-1
**Category:** leavening
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Ammonium phosphate, monobasic (CAS 7722-76-1) is an inorganic salt compound used as a leavening agent and pH control agent in food production. It functions to help doughs and batters rise and is employed in malting and fermentation processes.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Ammonium Phosphate, Monobasic?

Ammonium phosphate, monobasic is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula NH₄H₂PO₄. It exists as white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water. The compound contains one ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) paired with one dihydrogen phosphate ion (H₂PO₄⁻), which distinguishes it from diammonium phosphate, its dibasic counterpart. This particular salt is classified as a food additive in the leavening agent category.

## Common Uses

Ammonium phosphate, monobasic is primarily used in baked goods as a leavening agent. In this application, it reacts with alkaline components in dough to release carbon dioxide gas, which creates the rise and texture in breads, cakes, and other baked products. The compound also functions as a pH control agent, helping to maintain optimal acidity levels during food processing. Additionally, it serves as a malting and fermenting aid in grain processing and fermentation industries, where it can provide nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients to support microbial and enzymatic activity.

The additive is particularly valuable in commercial baking operations where consistent, controlled leavening is essential for product uniformity and quality.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with ammonium phosphate, monobasic. The compound is composed of common nutrients—nitrogen (in the ammonium form) and phosphorus—both of which are essential macronutrients. The phosphate salts used in food are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies when used at appropriate levels.

Ammonium itself is a normal metabolite in human biochemistry, produced endogenously during protein metabolism. At levels used in food processing, ammonium phosphate does not present acute toxicity concerns. Chronic studies on phosphate additives have not identified significant safety issues at dietary exposure levels from food additives.

The absence of FDA adverse event reports and recalls provides practical evidence of safety in commercial food supply use. However, it is important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions affecting kidney function or those requiring phosphate or potassium restriction should consult healthcare providers regarding dietary additive intake, as this applies to all phosphate-containing additives.

## Regulatory Status

Ammonium phosphate, monobasic is not designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, this designation status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that it is regulated through the food additive petition process and approved for specific uses. The compound is approved for use as a leavening agent in the United States under 21 CFR 137.800 and related regulations governing flour, bread, and related products.

International regulatory status varies by region. Food additive regulations differ between the FDA (United States), EFSA (European Union), and other regional bodies. Manufacturers must comply with the specific regulations of each market where their products are sold.

## Key Studies

Research on ammonium phosphate salts in food contexts has primarily focused on their functional performance in baking and fermentation rather than toxicological endpoints, given the long history of safe use. Studies on phosphate additives more broadly have examined bioavailability and metabolism, demonstrating that excess phosphate is efficiently eliminated through renal excretion in individuals with normal kidney function.

Literature on nitrogen sources in fermentation has established that ammonium-based compounds effectively support yeast and bacterial growth in controlled conditions, supporting their use as fermentation aids.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Ammonium Phosphate, Monobasic — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ammonium-phosphate-monobasic. Accessed 2026-05-12.