emulsifier INS 451

Triphosphates E451

sequestrant, stabilizer, moisture retention agent — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Pentasodium triphosphate (E451i), Pentapotassium triphosphate (E451ii)

CAS: 7758-29-4 (i), 13573-18-7 (ii)

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Triphosphates is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by category mg/kg

Quantum satis in many categories; specific limits apply due to concerns about total dietary phosphate intake.

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Widely used in seafood processing

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0-70 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus, for all phosphates)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

40 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus, for all phosphates)

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by heating a mixture of monosodium phosphate and disodium phosphate to approximately 540-560°C, causing condensation to form sodium triphosphate. The process involves controlled dehydration and polymerization of orthophosphates.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Chelating agent and pH adjuster in personal care products.

Medical

Excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.

Industrial

Heavy-duty detergents, water softening, ceramic production, paper processing, petroleum refining.

Household

Laundry detergents (historically common, now restricted in many regions due to environmental concerns about phosphates in wastewater).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Triphosphates (E451)?

Triphosphates (E451) is a emulsifier used in food products. It is sequestrant, stabilizer, moisture retention agent and synthetic. Triphosphates do not occur naturally in free form. While phosphate compounds are essential in biology, the triphosphate salts used in food processing are synthetically manufactured.

What is the ADI for Triphosphates?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Triphosphates is 0-70 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus, for all phosphates) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Triphosphates?

Triphosphates is used in various food categories including Meat preparations, Processed fish and fishery products, Cheese and cheese products. It is used as a emulsifier in these products.

Is Triphosphates the same as Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP)?

Yes, Triphosphates is also known as Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), Pentasodium tripolyphosphate, Tripolyphosphates. These are different names for the same substance.