Sodium tripolyphosphate
Sodium tripolyphosphate is a condensed phosphate made by heating a mixture of monosodium and disodium phosphate, which are produced by neutralizing purified phosphoric acid with sodium carbonate or hydroxide. It is a white powder or granule. Food brands buy it to bind water and adjust texture in meat, poultry and seafood, as a sequestrant, and as a component of phosphate blends.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Fine powder tested to the Food Chemicals Codex, used in brines and dry blends.
Coarser grade with less dust, for dry-blending and some dissolving systems.
STPP combined with sodium hexametaphosphate or pyrophosphates, sold as meat and seafood phosphate systems.
Grade for detergents and water treatment, not for food.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store STPP in sealed bags in a dry area off the floor; it absorbs moisture and can cake or slowly hydrolyze to other phosphates. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and aged stock is retested for assay.
Record assay and the phosphate composition for each lot, since the share of tripolyphosphate affects performance in brines. If you buy blends, record the blend code so total added phosphate can be calculated for labeling and limits.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Sodium tripolyphosphate is listed as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice in both 21 CFR 182.1810 and 21 CFR 182.6810.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents permits sodium tripolyphosphate in canned crustaceans, fish, molluscs and other canned marine invertebrates.
Source: canada.ca (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 · Cranbury, NJ
Sells it as Curafos
US manufacturer of food, pharmaceutical and technical grade phosphates, including phosphoric acid, sodium and calcium phosphates, leavening acids and polyphosphates.
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 food grade powder, granular, phosphate blends and technical grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, fluoride, pH of 1 percent solution, insoluble matter and arsenic and lead, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store STPP in sealed bags in a dry area off the floor; it absorbs moisture and can cake or slowly hydrolyze to other phosphates. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and aged stock is retested for assay.
Sodium tripolyphosphate is listed as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice in both 21 CFR 182.1810 and 21 CFR 182.6810. Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents permits sodium tripolyphosphate in canned crustaceans, fish, molluscs and other canned marine invertebrates.
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