Sodium polyphosphate is a chemical compound that is used as an additive in the food industry. These substances are negatively charged chains of phosphorus and oxygen that attract water molecules. Its features as a water-retaining factor, softener, concentractor and emulsifier are very important. These materials improve the delicacy, taste and texture of fish and meat products by preserving water and moisture. Sodium polyphosphate can be found in fast foods, processed meats, canned tuna, baked goods, and other industrially produced foods. Polyphosphate regulates the pH of the meat and traps water in the protein network of the meat, in fact it helps to control the pH in processed foods. For this reason, it can be used in products such as sausage, steak and ham.
Sodium polyphosphate salts help to reduce weight loss after cooking, crispness and hydration of meat products. Emulsifying salts of sodium phosphate in the production of processed cheeses help to spread the cheese and maintain its moisture and fat. In pizza cheeses, it increases elasticity, improves melting and reduces oil return. Note that the consumption of sodium phosphate should be done in permitted amounts and in compliance with health standards. Also,to use it in food, pharmaceutical and health products, it is recommended to use authentic products. We will mention some of the advantages of sodium phosphate in the food industry in the following.
Advantages of Sodium Phosphate
This valuable material is used in various industries due to its reasonable cost and remarkable benefits.
- Increase alkalinity and improving the texture of meat, bread, cake, etc
- Fermentation factor in cakes and breads
- Helps to maintain moisture, rise product useful life, prevent spoilage of meat and seafood products
- Avoids excessive acidity or alkalinity
- Prevents water and oil from separation in the cycle of processing cheese products
- A kind of emulsifier in processed cheeses
- Keeps the color and smell of the meat constant
- Prevents the growth of bacteria in sausages and the oxidation of fat on it
- Increases elasticity
- Prevents the food products from spoilage when combining phosphate with metal ions
Features of Sodium Polyphosphate
More stability: One of the main advantages of polyphosphate in the food industry is rising the stability of products. This compound can prevent the process of oxidation and color change of food and increase the shelf life.
More shelf life: Sodium phosphate rises shelf life of the food significantly. This allows producers to keep their products in the market for a longer period of time and offer them to consumers without losing quality.
Improving appearance characteristics: Sodium polyphosphate can improve the appearance of food. For example, adding it to the meat products can rise the shelf life, color and appearance.
Improving taste and texture: Sodium phosphate can play an important role in improving the taste and texture of food. For example, in the production of sausages, it improves the structure and quality of the nished product.
Water absorption: Sodium phosphate is used as a water absorber. This feature helps the producer to control the amount of water inside their products and avoid extra costs due to unnecessary product weight.
Improving cooking: In some cooking products such as bread and cake, sodium phosphate can play a role in improving the structure and final volume of the product.
Applications of Polyphosphate
Food industry: Polyphosphate is used as a food additive to rise the quality and features of the food product. This substance is used as a preservative in food such as juices, fish, meat and cheese.
Medicine: Polyphosphate is used in some pharmaceutical products and mineral supplements to help strengthen bones and correct calcium deficiencies.
Health and cosmetic products: Phosphate is used in some health and cosmetic products as an anti-allergenic substance.
Other industries: Sodium polyphosphate is used as an anti-rust material, water softener, PH controller and mineral material in some industries such as water heater production, detergents, paper making, etc.
Foods that naturally contain sodium phosphate:
- Nuts and Legumes
- Meat
- Fish
- Birds
- Egg
Foods that may have added sodium phosphat:
- Processed Meat
- Fast Food
- Processed foods, such as pre-cooked meals
- Commercial baked goods, cakes and bread
- Canned tuna
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Sodium TriPolyphosphate is a preservative against bacteria, molds and yeasts. This type of polyphosphate, which is a colorless salt, in addition to food additives, is also used in detergents and for urban drinking water purification. Trisodium phosphate is used in mineral separation by municipal water systems around the world to control water hardness. Most STPPs are used as a component of commercial detergents because, in hard the water, detergents are deactivated and sodium tripolyphosphate acts as a water softener, actually improves the ability of detergents to penetrate fibers and other materials. Most gel, liquid, pill and powder forms of laundry and dishwasher detergent contain STPP. These types of polyphosphates are also an essential mineral in the human body and play a key role in blood coagulation. Trisodium phosphate is a preservative for seafood, meat, poultry and animal feed and is used in foods as an emulsifier and to retain moisture.
Sodium tripolyphosphate is used in the food industry as an emulsifier and quality improver, as well as in the ceramic, paint, varnish and other industries. Except for salt, pepper, and other common seasonings, most people don’t like food additives. However, these additives are a much essential ingredient in modern food’s processing because they help keep food fresh and prevent toxins from entering metal and plastic packaging of the food. In general, they improve the quality of the product. One of the most widely used food additives is sodium tripolyphosphate. Using this substance in the food processing helps to make the food tastier. This is done by the following:
Advantages of Using Sodium Tripolyphosphate
- Preserver
- Food concentrator
- Keeping meat soft in the canned food
- Maintaining moisture in meat products
- Improving the quality of the canned products
- Playing the role of emulsifier in the oil and liquid
Who Should Avoid Using Sodium Phosphate?
People with special conditions such as kidney patients, intestinal obstruction, colitis and heart failure should consult their doctor in order to use sodium phosphate. Especially people who take it as a supplement or have a lot of processed food or fast food in their daily diet.