Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is a widely used chemical additive in the food industry. It is commonly used as a food preservative and a flavor enhancer, in addition to having numerous industrial applications. Trisodium Phosphate has been used for years as a food additive with the food grade version being approved by the FDA.
TSP is a white crystal that forms an alkaline solution when mixed with water. This solution is extremely basic and is used to clean, sanitize and remove stains from various substrates by saponification, which is the chemical name for the reaction between an alkali and fat to create soap. TSP is non-toxic, cheap and has a pH of 12-14 in solution.
Trisodium Phosphate Food Grade
TSP is used in a wide range of food products because of its ability to enhance flavor and preserve food, among other benefits. It is listed as a food additive in the Codex Alimentarius, which is an international standard-setting body for food safety.
One of the main uses of TSP in food is as a sequestrant. This means it binds up trace metal ions like calcium and magnesium, keeping them from reacting with other ingredients in the food. This helps maintain color, texture, and flavor, and can also help prevent spoilage.
TSP is also used as a buffer in many baked goods. It helps control the acidity in the dough and subsequent baked products, leading to improved texture, volume, and shelf-life.
TSP is present in many processed foods, such as breakfast cereals, instant noodles, and processed cheese, to name a few.
Trisodium Phosphate Uses
TSP has a wide range of industrial applications in addition to its use in the food industry. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent and degreaser, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing industries. Because of its ability to remove grease and oil, it can also be found in laundry detergents and dishwasher detergents.
TSP is used in many other industrial applications, ranging from water treatment to paint and coatings. Its ability to sequester metal ions makes it ideal for preventing rust and corrosion in metal pipework, for example.
Trisodium Phosphate Dangers
Although TSP is deemed safe by the FDA, there are some concerns about its potential dangers. One of the main concerns is the high pH of a TSP solution. A pH of 12-14 can cause severe skin and eye irritation, and prolonged exposure can cause burns.
In addition, there have been reports of TSP causing harm to the environment. When TSP is used as a cleaning agent, it can enter the water system and cause eutrophication, which is the process by which algae blooms occur, depleting oxygen levels and causing harm to aquatic life.
Trisodium Phosphate in Wine Production
TSP is also used in the production of wine. It is added to the must (the unfermented grape juice) to adjust the pH and improve wine clarity.
The pH of the must needs to be within a certain range to ensure proper fermentation. If the pH is too low, the wine may become too acidic, and if it is too high, the fermentation process may be inhibited. TSP can raise the pH of the must to the desired range.
TSP is also used as a fining agent in wine production. It helps remove impurities such as excess tannins and proteins, resulting in a clearer wine.
In conclusion, Trisodium Phosphate has a wide range of uses, from being a food additive to an industrial cleaning agent. While it is generally considered safe for human consumption, caution should be exercised due to its high pH level. It is important to properly use and dispose of TSP to prevent harm to the environment.