Detailed Analysis of Food Grade Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) Food Grade: Detailed Analysis of Food Grade Trisodium Phosphate
Basic Information
Trisodium phosphate (TSP), with the chemical formula Na₃PO₄ or Na₃HPO₄·nH₂O (n represents the number of crystal water, commonly 0 to 12 crystal water), is an important inorganic salt compound. In the food industry, trisodium phosphate is widely used due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Its CAS number is 7601-54-9 and EINECS number is 231-509-8. Food grade trisodium phosphate means that the compound is processed to a high enough standard to be suitable for use in food production.
Physical properties
Food grade trisodium phosphate has the appearance of colorless to white needle-shaped crystals or crystalline powder, odorless and tasteless. The melting point of its anhydrous form is 1340℃, while the melting point of its dodecahydrate form is 73.4℃. Trisodium phosphate has a high density, with an anhydrous form having a density of 1.62g/cm³. Trisodium phosphate is easily soluble in water, but insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and carbon disulfide. Its aqueous solution is strongly alkaline, and the pH value of a 1% aqueous solution is between 11.5 and 12.1.
Food Uses
Trisodium phosphate plays multiple roles in the food industry, including but not limited to:
Quality Improver: Trisodium phosphate can improve the complex metal ions, pH value and ionic strength of food, thereby improving the cohesion, water retention and taste of food.
Emulsifier: In dairy products, trisodium phosphate can improve the melting properties of cheese and maintain its shape.
Nutritional Supplement: Although the human absorption efficiency of inorganic phosphates is lower than that of organic phosphates, food-grade trisodium phosphate is still added to certain foods as one of the sources of phosphates.
Preservative: Trisodium phosphate can extend the shelf life of food and eliminate potentially harmful bacteria.
Specific application scenarios include:
Dairy products: such as cheese, soft drinks, etc.
Meat products: such as Western ham, processed meat, etc., trisodium phosphate helps keep processed meat moist.
Baked goods: Trisodium phosphate is used as a leavening agent to give breakfast cereals a porous, crispy structure.
Cereal products: Trisodium phosphate helps cereals flow through extruders, acts as a buffer, improves color and aids the production process.
Instructions for use
Although trisodium phosphate is widely used in the food industry, its usage and application scenarios are strictly regulated. In China, trisodium phosphate can be used in foods such as cheese, Western ham, meat, fish, shrimp, crab, etc., but there is a maximum usage limit. When using, relevant food safety standards and regulations should be followed to ensure the safety and compliance of food.
Development advantages
The development advantages of trisodium phosphate in the food industry are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Versatility: Trisodium phosphate has multiple functions and can meet the processing needs of different foods.
Stability: Trisodium phosphate has stable chemical properties and can be stored for a long time, making it suitable for large-scale production and storage.
Safety: Although the aqueous solution of trisodium phosphate is strongly alkaline and corrosive, food-grade trisodium phosphate is strictly processed and treated to meet food safety standards.
Future prospects
With the continuous development of the global food industry, the market demand for trisodium phosphate will continue to grow. Especially in emerging markets such as China, as consumers' requirements for food safety and quality increase, the application of trisodium phosphate will become more extensive. At the same time, with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations and consumers' pursuit of green products, environmentally friendly trisodium phosphate will become a new trend in the development of the industry. In the future, the production and application of trisodium phosphate will pay more attention to technological innovation and environmental protection concepts to promote the sustainable development of the food industry.
In summary, food-grade trisodium phosphate has broad application prospects and development potential in the food industry. By continuously optimizing production processes and improving product quality, trisodium phosphate will make greater contributions to the development of the food industry.