Ferric pyrophosphate
Ferric pyrophosphate is an insoluble iron (III) salt of pyrophosphoric acid, prepared by reacting sodium pyrophosphate with ferric citrate. It is a tan or yellowish-white powder with roughly a quarter of its weight as iron. Because it is nearly white and reacts little with other ingredients, it is used to fortify cereals, flours, dairy, rice and beverages, and brands often buy micronized or dispersible grades made for liquids.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Food Chemicals Codex grade for dry fortification of flour, cereals and premixes.
Milled to a small particle size so it disperses better and settles more slowly in liquids.
Very fine ferric pyrophosphate stabilized with emulsifiers for milk, drinks and other liquids.
A soluble complex sold separately; it is a different ingredient and should be specified by name.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store ferric pyrophosphate in sealed containers in a cool, dry area; it is chemically stable, but powders can pick up moisture and cake. Liquid dispersions should be kept as the supplier directs and mixed before use. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with assay and particle size the usual retest checks.
Record the iron assay and particle size for each lot, since both change how much is added and how it behaves in liquids. Keep plain, micronized and dispersible grades on separate item codes.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1304 affirms ferric pyrophosphate as GRAS for use in food as a nutrient supplement with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice, and allows its use in infant formula.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists iron (III) pyrophosphate among the source ingredients for iron (Table 2).
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for iron at 18 mg for adults and children 4 years and older.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Bengaluru, India
Indian maker of pharmaceutical ingredients and mineral salts, with plants in Hosur. Its mineral range covers calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium salts and amino acid chelates.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standard powder, micronized, dispersible or emulsified grades and ferric pyrophosphate citrate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect iron assay, loss on ignition, particle size, lead, arsenic and mercury and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store ferric pyrophosphate in sealed containers in a cool, dry area; it is chemically stable, but powders can pick up moisture and cake. Liquid dispersions should be kept as the supplier directs and mixed before use. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with assay and particle size the usual retest checks.
21 CFR 184.1304 affirms ferric pyrophosphate as GRAS for use in food as a nutrient supplement with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice, and allows its use in infant formula. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists iron (III) pyrophosphate among the source ingredients for iron (Table 2). 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for iron at 18 mg for adults and children 4 years and older.
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