Tag: Pentasodium triphosphate

Sodium tripolyphosphate, also known as STPP or E451i, is a synthetic compound produced on a large scale for many industrial and food applications. In the food industry, this ingredient is primarily used as a preservative, moisture retention agent, and emulsifier. It is the sodium salt of the polyphosphate penta-anion and is common in various processed foods.

Over 2 million tons of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) are produced annually, primarily for use in detergents. This white crystalline powder is known by several chemical and commercial names, reflecting its versatile role as a water softener, emulsifier, and preservative in a variety of industries.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sodium tripolyphosphate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food. This widely used compound is more commonly known by several other names, with the most prevalent being sodium triphosphate. Understanding this chemical's aliases is key to identifying its presence across various products, from processed foods to household cleaning agents.