1 question
How is it possible that Migros sells a product for children that contains E450? This additive is suspected of causing cancer. It impairs bone mineralization and may contribute to heart disease. An absolute no-go. In general: Why are diphosphates—which merely improve a product’s texture—still being used in 2026? Unbelievable...
Hello Ginocchio
Phosphorus (or phosphates) is naturally abundant in food. For example, milk and dairy products, whole grain products, meat, mushrooms (including the mushroom-based product Quorn), eggs, nuts, legumes, and cocoa are particularly high in phosphorus. However, we also consume phosphorus through sweetened beverages, baked goods, processed meats, and processed cheese, as these products contain phosphate additives. According to the literature, a maximum of 10% of daily phosphate intake comes from additives; the rest comes from natural sources. In Party Jungle pretzels, the additive E 450 is used as a leavening agent. Baking powder used at home for baking also contains diphosphates in most cases (such as Patissier baking powder)!
Legally, Migros is bound by the federal government’s guidelines, which is responsible for the risk assessment and evaluation of additives. The Additives Ordinance regulates the permissibility of various substances and lists their areas of application and maximum quantities. Switzerland coordinates its decisions with international authorities. Should the federal government adjust its recommendations regarding the use of additives such as E450, Migros will of course comply. Based on the current assessment of the situation, discontinuing its use is not necessary.
By the way: The scientific evidence is clear: even with high phosphorus intake (1.5–2.5 g of phosphate per day), the calcium balance is not impaired, and bone resorption processes are not increased. It should also be noted that additive E 450 is used only in very small quantities. Therefore, it is not true that the leavening agent E 450 impairs bone mineralization.
Best regards, your M-Infoline Team
All right, thanks! The YUKA app tells me that diphosphates are "high-risk." It's really strange that this contradicts your statement. I only skimmed through the scientific sources listed in the app, and they're about emulsifiers (the E460 series, not E450). Sorry for being so confrontational.
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