Ingredient

Iron Ferric Orthophosphate

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add iron ferric orthophosphate to foods to increase their iron content, serving as …

What is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate?

Iron ferric orthophosphate is an inorganic salt that provides iron. It is a white to yellowish-white powder. It is produced by reacting iron salts with phosphate salts.

Is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate vegan?

Iron Ferric Orthophosphate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate used for?

Manufacturers add iron ferric orthophosphate to foods to increase their iron content, serving as a nutrient fortification.

Is Iron Ferric Orthophosphate safe?

In the U.S., iron ferric orthophosphate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a nutrient supplement.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add iron ferric orthophosphate to foods to increase their iron content, serving as a nutrient fortification. It is commonly found in enriched grain products like rice and pasta, as well as in some breakfast cereals.

Health notes

In the U.S., iron ferric orthophosphate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a nutrient supplement. Iron is an essential mineral for human health, and deficiency can lead to anemia. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated iron compounds for safety. While iron is vital, excessive iron intake can be harmful, and the body tightly regulates iron absorption.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Iron Ferric Orthophosphate

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%DV Explained: 5% Low, 20% High →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.