Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Also known as: E452vi, E452
STPP is GRAS under 21 CFR 182.1810. EFSA's 2019 reevaluation of phosphates (E 338-341, E 343, E 450-452) established a group ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as phosphorus, and noted that exposure could exceed the ADI in infants, toddlers, and children at the high level.
What it is
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), an inorganic polyphosphate salt; subset of E452 phosphates.
Emulsifier, sequestrant, moisture retainer; used to retain water in seafood, poultry, and processed meats.
Why it's flagged
- EFSA 2019 group ADI for phosphates (40 mg/kg bw/day) exceeded in infants, toddlers, and children at high intake
- High phosphate intake associated with adverse effects in chronic kidney disease patients
What regulators actually say
"The Panel established a group acceptable daily intake (ADI) for phosphates of 40 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, expressed as phosphorus."
"Sodium tripolyphosphate... is generally recognized as safe."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS under 21 CFR 182.1810 as a sequestrant.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E 452(vi); group ADI 40 mg/kg bw/day as phosphorus (EFSA, 2019).
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