Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is a white, crystalline solid that is commonly used in cereal (food grade) and as a cleaner (tech grade). It is highly soluble in water and has a strong alkaline nature. Its CAS number is 7601-54-9.
Tech Grade trisodium phosphate is a very important phosphate in industrial uses, e.g., in chemical, textile, printing, dyeing, papermaking and power generation industries.
Food Grade trisodium phosphate is commonly used as a food additive, where it functions as a pH regulator, emulsifier, and sequestrant. TSP can be found in some processed foods, such as cheese, canned soups, and processed meats. The European food additive number for it is E339(iii).
TSP is widely used in various industries and applications. Here are some specific areas where TSP finds its application:
Tech Grade Trisodium Phosphate
1. Cleaning: TSP is commonly used as a heavy-duty cleaner for removing dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces. It is effective in cleaning walls, floors, tiles, and other hard surfaces. TSP can also be used to clean and prepare surfaces before painting or wallpapering.
2. Stain Removal: TSP is effective in removing tough stains from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. It can be used as a pre-soak or added to laundry detergents to enhance stain removal.
3. Degreasing: TSP is widely used in industrial settings for degreasing metal surfaces, machinery, and equipment. It can effectively remove oil, grease, and other contaminants.
4. Construction industry: TSP is used in the construction industry as a component of cement and mortar mixtures. It helps improve the workability and strength of these materials.
5. Painting industry: TSP is also used in the painting industry as a deglossing agent, helping to prepare surfaces for painting by removing any existing gloss or sheen. TSP is often used to prepare surfaces for painting. It helps in removing dirt, grease, and old paint residues, ensuring better adhesion of new paint.
6. Water Treatment: TSP is used in water treatment processes to adjust pH levels and remove calcium and magnesium ions. It helps in preventing scale formation and improving water quality.
7. Swimming Pools: TSP is sometimes used in swimming pools to adjust pH levels and remove algae and other contaminants.
Food Grade Trisodium Phosphate
1. In food, like other phosphates, food grade trisodium phosphate is used to maintain the moisture and flavor of seafood, meat and poultry products and thus increase shelf life. TSP can retain moisture in foods because its own basicity can increase the pH and ionic strength of foods.
2. In cereal products, it is used to reduce acidity. TSP also acts as an emulsifier in pasteurized processed cheeses and cheese-based foods, and as an acidity regulator in fruit jellies, preserves and jams.
3. As a sequestrant to chelate metal ions in food. Its food grade is more purified and is used in smaller quantity than the technical grade, which is mainly used as a cleaner and detergent.
4. In addition, A mixture of food grade TSP and baking soda can be used for homemade toothpaste or mouthwash as a mouth rinse after brushing teeth. Baking soda is a weak alkaline to adjust the alkaline of TSP mild.
Is trisodium phosphate safe to eat?
Yes, its safety when used as a food additive has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), as well as other authorities.
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