emulsifier INS 452

Polyphosphates E452

sequestrant, stabilizer, moisture retention agent, texturizer — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Sodium polyphosphates (E452i), Potassium polyphosphates (E452ii), Calcium polyphosphates (E452iv), Ammonium polyphosphates (E452v)

CAS: 68915-31-1 (i), 68915-31-1 (ii), 50813-16-6 (iv), 68915-31-1 (v)

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, Polyphosphates 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 processed cheese and cola beverages

🇯🇵

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 orthophosphates or pyrophosphates to temperatures above 600°C, causing progressive condensation to form long-chain polyphosphates. Chain length can be controlled by temperature, time, and starting material composition. Rapid cooling produces glassy polyphosphates, while slow cooling yields crystalline forms.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Chelating agent and sequestrant in shampoos and toothpaste.

Medical

Sequestrant and stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations.

Industrial

Water treatment (prevents scale buildup), metal surface treatment, textile processing, oil drilling.

Household

Water softeners, detergents, boiler treatments (trade name Calgon for sodium hexametaphosphate).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyphosphates (E452)?

Polyphosphates (E452) is a emulsifier used in food products. It is sequestrant, stabilizer, moisture retention agent, texturizer and synthetic. Polyphosphates do not occur naturally. They are long-chain phosphate polymers produced synthetically through controlled heating and condensation of orthophosphate salts.

What is the ADI for Polyphosphates?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Polyphosphates 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 Polyphosphates?

Polyphosphates is used in various food categories including Cheese and cheese products, Meat preparations, Flavoured drinks (cola). It is used as a emulsifier in these products.

Is Polyphosphates the same as Sodium hexametaphosphate?

Yes, Polyphosphates is also known as Sodium hexametaphosphate, Graham's salt, Calgon, Glassy phosphates. These are different names for the same substance.