When you grab a can of cheese randomly, you may notice the ingredients list, the E452(i) is so conspicuous. And what is that? What it can do? Why add it?
What is E452(i)?
E452(i) stands for Sodium Hexametaphosphate, which is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used as a sequestrant, emulsifier, thickening agent, and texturizer in food processing.
The chemical formula of SHMP is (NaPO3)6, and it is composed of a chain of six phosphate units linked together by oxygen atoms. The molecular weight of SHMP is 611.7 g/mol.
Some of the common specifications of SHMP are:
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Assay: ≥ 68%
pH value (1% solution): 5.8 – 7.3
Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤ 10 ppm
Arsenic (As): ≤ 3 ppm
It is made up of sodium cations (Na+) and hexametaphosphate anions, which are six linked phosphate units (PO4) in a cyclic structure. The synthesis of sodium hexametaphosphate involves the polymerization of orthophosphates, typically under high temperature and pressure conditions. Commercially, it is often produced by the calcination of monosodium phosphate or disodium phosphate, which results in the formation of sodium metaphosphate, followed by hydrolysis of the latter to form hexametaphosphate.
Sodium hexametaphosphate is generally considered safe for consumption in small amounts, as it is used as a food additive and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in various food products. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
What it can do?
1. Meat Processing: SHMP is often added to meat products as a tenderizer and preservative. It helps to soften the meat fibers and improve the texture of the final product. Additionally, it can help to extend the shelf life of meat products by inhibiting bacterial growth.
2. Dairy Products: SHMP is commonly used in dairy products such as cheese and milk to improve their texture and appearance. It can help to prevent the separation of fat from the rest of the product and to stabilize the proteins.
3. Canned Foods: Sodium hexametaphosphate is often added to canned foods to prevent discoloration and maintain the texture of the food. This is particularly important in fruits and vegetables which may be subjected to high heat during processing.
4. Baked Goods: SHMP is sometimes added to baked goods such as bread and cakes as a dough conditioner. It can help to improve the consistency of the dough and to increase its water-holding capacity, resulting in a better-quality final product.
5. Beverages: Sodium hexametaphosphate is also used in the beverage industry as a clarifying agent. It can help to remove impurities and sediment from beverages such as beer and wine.
6. Water Treatment: Sodium hexametaphosphate is used as a water treatment agent to prevent scale formation in pipes and boilers. It works by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for causing scaling.
