Food Grade Phosphate Application

Food grade phosphate is a kind of additive widely used in the food industry, mainly as an acid regulator, moisture retention agent, leavening agent, stabilizer and preservative. The following is its overview:

1. Main types

-Orthophosphates: such as sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄), disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na₂HPO₄), and monosodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH₂PO₄).

-Polyphosphates: such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium pyrophosphate (SHPP).

-Polysaccharides: such as sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP).

-Calcium and potassium salts: such as calcium dihydrogen phosphate (for baking) and potassium phosphate (for low sodium foods).

2. Functional application

-pH regulation: maintaining the pH of food (e.g., beverages, dairy products).

-Moisture retention: improves the texture of meat products (such as ham, sausage).

-Leavening: used in baked goods (such as cake flour).

-Chelating metal ions: prevent oxidation and discoloration (such as seafood, canned).

-Emulsion stability: prevents the separation of dairy products (such as cheese, milk powder).

3. Commonly used food

Meat products, dairy products, baked goods, beverages, frozen foods, condiments, etc.

4. Safety and regulation

-International standards: JECFA (UNFAO/WHO) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) set the daily allowable intake (ADI).

-Chinese standard: GB 2760-2014 specifies the scope of use and limit.

-Controversy: Excessive intake may affect calcium absorption or kidney health, so it should be used reasonably.

5. Market status

-Demand growth: rising due to expansion in the processed food industry, particularly in Asia and emerging markets.

-Major manufacturers: including IFF, Innophos (USA), Xingfa Group (China) and so on.

-Alternative trend: some enterprises seek natural alternatives (such as citrates), but phosphate is still not completely replaceable.

6. Notes

-Add strictly according to national standards to avoid excess.

-Some people (such as those with impaired kidney function) need to limit Intake.

Sum up

Food-grade phosphate is an important auxiliary material in modern food processing, and its versatility makes it irreplaceable, but the balance between safety and utility needs to be balanced.Future development directions may include more accurate application technology and safety assessment.