Tetrasodium pyrophosphate
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) is an alkaline sodium phosphate that binds calcium and other metal ions. It is used in meat, poultry and seafood for moisture retention, in instant puddings to set with milk, in processed cheese, and as a buffer and dispersing agent. It is made by heating disodium phosphate at high temperature so it condenses to the pyrophosphate. Brands buy it as an anhydrous white powder or granules, and occasionally as the decahydrate.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The standard food form for dry blends and brines.
Coarser grades with less dust for meat and seafood plants.
Crystalline hydrated form carrying more water, so more is needed per batch.
TSPP blended with sodium tripolyphosphate or other phosphates for meat and seafood.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store sealed in a dry area; the anhydrous powder is hygroscopic and cakes when it takes up water. Solutions are alkaline and slowly hydrolyze, so mix them close to use. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay and flow for aged stock.
Record form, assay and particle size for each lot, and for blends the ratio of each phosphate. Rotate stock FEFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.6789 lists tetra sodium pyrophosphate as GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents includes tetrabasic sodium pyrophosphate, starting with canned fish and shellfish.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted pH Adjusting Agents, Acid-Reacting Materials and Water Correcting Agents includes tetrabasic sodium pyrophosphate for unstandardized foods.
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 anhydrous powder, granular, decahydrate and phosphate blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, pH of solution, loss on ignition, fluoride and lead and arsenic, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store sealed in a dry area; the anhydrous powder is hygroscopic and cakes when it takes up water. Solutions are alkaline and slowly hydrolyze, so mix them close to use. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay and flow for aged stock.
21 CFR 182.6789 lists tetra sodium pyrophosphate as GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents includes tetrabasic sodium pyrophosphate, starting with canned fish and shellfish. Health Canada's List of Permitted pH Adjusting Agents, Acid-Reacting Materials and Water Correcting Agents includes tetrabasic sodium pyrophosphate for unstandardized foods.
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