Trisodium phosphate
Trisodium phosphate is a strongly alkaline sodium salt of phosphoric acid, made by neutralizing purified phosphoric acid with sodium hydroxide and crystallizing or drying the product. It is sold as anhydrous powder or as the dodecahydrate crystal. Food brands use it as a pH adjuster and emulsifying salt in cereals, processed cheese and some beverages, and processors use it in antimicrobial washes for poultry.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Water-free powder with the most phosphate per kilogram.
Crystals carrying twelve molecules of water, so much more is needed to deliver the same amount of phosphate.
Material tested to the Food Chemicals Codex, separate from cleaning and technical grades.
TSP combined with other phosphates as emulsifying salt or processing systems.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store trisodium phosphate in sealed bags in a dry area away from acids. Anhydrous material absorbs moisture and cakes, and the hydrate can lose water in warm, dry rooms, so keep conditions steady. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and water.
Record whether each lot is anhydrous or dodecahydrate and its assay, because a form swap changes the dose. Keep food-grade and cleaning-grade stock clearly separated.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.1778 lists sodium phosphate (mono-, di-, and tribasic) as generally recognized as safe 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 phosphate, tribasic with technical effects including pH control agent, sequestrant and emulsifier or emulsifier salt.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes sodium phosphate, tribasic for beer and unstandardized foods.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.605(b) allows sodium phosphates in processed products labeled organic for use only in dairy foods.
Source: ecfr.gov (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, dodecahydrate, food grade (FCC) and phosphate blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, loss on ignition, fluoride, insoluble matter and arsenic and lead, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store trisodium phosphate in sealed bags in a dry area away from acids. Anhydrous material absorbs moisture and cakes, and the hydrate can lose water in warm, dry rooms, so keep conditions steady. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and water.
21 CFR 182.1778 lists sodium phosphate (mono-, di-, and tribasic) as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists sodium phosphate, tribasic with technical effects including pH control agent, sequestrant and emulsifier or emulsifier salt. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes sodium phosphate, tribasic for beer and unstandardized foods. 7 CFR 205.605(b) allows sodium phosphates in processed products labeled organic for use only in dairy foods.
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