Sodium hexametaphosphate
Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a glassy, long-chain sodium polyphosphate that binds calcium, magnesium and other metal ions. It is used in beverages and syrups alongside preservatives, in processed cheese, meat and seafood for moisture retention, in dairy powders, and in water treatment. It is made by melting monosodium phosphate at high temperature and quenching the melt into a glass, which is then milled. Brands buy it as glassy flakes, granules or powder.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The traditional form, which dissolves fairly slowly.
Free-flowing granules for dry blends and metering.
Fine powder for faster dissolution in brines and beverages.
Grades tested to FCC specifications, separate from technical water-treatment grades.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep sealed in a dry area; it is hygroscopic and cakes when damp. In solution it slowly breaks down into shorter phosphates, so make stock solutions fresh. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay and flow for older stock.
Record grade, P2O5 assay and particle form for each lot, since dissolution speed and chain length can vary between suppliers. Rotate stock FEFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.6760 lists sodium hexametaphosphate as GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists sodium hexametaphosphate and cites 21 CFR 173.310 and 182.6760.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents includes sodium hexametaphosphate, starting with canned fish and shellfish.
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 Vitrafos
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 glassy flakes or plates, granular, powder and food grade (FCC). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (as P2O5), pH of solution, insoluble substances, fluoride and lead and arsenic, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep sealed in a dry area; it is hygroscopic and cakes when damp. In solution it slowly breaks down into shorter phosphates, so make stock solutions fresh. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay and flow for older stock.
21 CFR 182.6760 lists sodium hexametaphosphate as GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists sodium hexametaphosphate and cites 21 CFR 173.310 and 182.6760. Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents includes sodium hexametaphosphate, starting with canned fish and shellfish.
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