Sodium Phosphates Uses in Food

Sodium phosphate is an umbrella term that refers to multiple combinations of sodium (salt) and phosphate (an inorganic, salt-forming chemical). Food-grade sodium phosphate is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. It is often used as an additive in processed food manufacturing. It’s also an ingredient in many household products and medications. For some people, sodium phosphate may be used to prepare the bowel.  prior to colonoscopy. 

Know More About Sodium Tripolyphosphate

Sodium tripolyphosphate is an inorganic compound with formula Na5P3O10 and the sodium salt of the polyphosphate penta-anion. It is used as a component of a wide range domestic and industrial products, particularly detergents.

Food grade 94% sodium tripolyphosphate, STPP, is a chemical often used to soak seafood so that it will appear more firm and glossy. Sodium tripolyphosphate is also used to preserve foods such as red meats, poultry, and seafood, helping them to retain their tenderness and moisture during storage and transport. Pet food and animal feed can also be treated with it, serving the same general purpose as it does in human food. STPP also has been used to help preserve the quality of drinks such as milk and fruit juices.It is also known as pentasodium salt or triphosphoric acid. STPP is also an ingredient in detergents and soaps. Most gel, liquid, tablet, and powder forms of both laundry and dishwasher detergent contain STPP. As a food, it is generally regarded as safe, but large ingested amounts of the product can be toxic.

Uses of Sodium Phosphate in Food

Sodium phosphate can be found in fast food, deli meat, processed meat, canned tuna, baked goods, and other manufactured foods. It serves a variety of functions:

It thickens food. It stabilizes the texture of processed foods, such as mashed potato mixes.

It cures meat and meat products. It helps to keep deli meats and bacon moist, avoiding spoilage.

It’s a leavening agent. It helps dough rise in commercially prepared cakes and breads and in cake mixes.

It’s an emulsifying agent. It acts as a stabilizer to keep oil and water mixed together in certain types of food, such as processed cheese.

It balances pH levels in processed food. It stabilizes the balance between acidity and alkalinity, extending shelf life and improving taste.

Low sodium can go a long way

Sometimes a person is more likely to have high blood pressure because of genetic factors. Aging is another common cause of high blood pressure.

Too much sodium in the diet can be unhealthy for people who already have high blood pressure or who have had a heart attack. With a little creativity, however, reducing the amount of salt in your diet isn’t as difficult as you may think.

Check with your doctor or registered dietician — they’ll have additional suggestions for ways to cut back on salt in your diet.