Phosphoric acid
Phosphoric acid is a mineral acid (H3PO4) sold as a concentrated water solution. Food-grade acid is made either by the thermal process, burning elemental phosphorus and hydrating the oxide, or by purifying wet-process acid made from phosphate rock and sulfuric acid. It is supplied as 75 to 85 percent solutions for acidifying colas and other drinks, adjusting pH in processing, and making phosphate salts.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The most common concentration, used in beverages and as a processing acid.
Lower concentrations that stay liquid more easily in cold storage.
Two manufacturing routes; both are sold as food grade, and the spec should set limits on metals and fluoride either way.
Pre-diluted acid for smaller processors that do not want to handle concentrated acid.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Phosphoric acid is corrosive and is stored in closed stainless steel or HDPE tanks and totes in a ventilated area away from bases and reactive metals. Concentrated grades become viscous and can crystallize in the cold, so keep them above the supplier's minimum temperature. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and is generally long in sealed containers.
Record concentration and the manufacturing route for each lot, and confirm metals and fluoride on the COA when switching suppliers. Rotate totes FEFO and keep safety data sheets with each delivery.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.1073 lists phosphoric acid as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.605(b) allows phosphoric acid in organic handling only for cleaning food-contact surfaces and equipment.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes phosphoric acid.
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
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 85 percent food grade, 75 and 80 percent grades, thermal vs. purified wet-process and diluted solutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, arsenic and lead, fluoride, heavy metals and iron and color and appearance, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Phosphoric acid is corrosive and is stored in closed stainless steel or HDPE tanks and totes in a ventilated area away from bases and reactive metals. Concentrated grades become viscous and can crystallize in the cold, so keep them above the supplier's minimum temperature. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and is generally long in sealed containers.
21 CFR 182.1073 lists phosphoric acid as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. 7 CFR 205.605(b) allows phosphoric acid in organic handling only for cleaning food-contact surfaces and equipment. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes phosphoric acid.
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