Alternate Names

Sodium Polymetaphosphate, Graham's Salt

Description

This sequestrant, thickener, emulsifier and texturizer is used in a variety of foods. The phosphorus in the additive helps to prevent mineral corrosion (calcium, iron salts, magnesium, etc.).

Additional Information

Also used in pet food, teeth whitening products, bath salts, bubble bath, and in factory boiler water (water used to steam foods). The US FDA notes that this additive may be used in paper and paperboard food packaging and that any Sodium Hexametaphosphate migrating to food from the food packaging is "generally recognized as safe." Due to the possible health effects of this additive, do not consume in high concentrations.

Found In

artificial maple syrup, canned milk, cheese powders and dips, immitation cheese, whipped topping, packaged egg whites, roast beef, fish fillets, fruit jelly, frozen desserts, salad dressing, breakfast cereal, ice cream, beer, bottled beverages,

Possible Health Effects

This additive contains phosphorus which is an essential nutrient, but when consumed without the balance of other minerals, may affect kidneys, heart and bones. In animal studies, the following effects were reported: pale and swollen kidneys, increased kidney weights, bone decalcification, muscle fiber size changes, hyperplasia and severe skin irritations.

Allergy Information

Contains Sodium (those on sodium restricted diets should limit)

Online Resources/Related

• US Food And Drug Administration, Code of Federal Regulations Title 21: Sodium Hexametaphosphate , Updated April 1, 2010, US Food and Drug Administration
• International Journal of Toxicology, Final report on the safety assessment of Sodium Metaphosphate, Sodium Trimetaphosphate, and Sodium Hexametaphosphate., 2001, Lanigan, RS

Print Resources

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives, 7th Edition: Descriptions in Plain English of More Than 12,000 Ingredients Both Harmful and Desirable Found in Foods. Three Rivers Press, 2009
• Statham, Bill. Eat Safe: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum. Running Press, 2008
• Minich, Deanna M. An A-Z Guide to Food Additives: Never Eat What You Can't Pronounce. Conari Press, 2009
• Farlow, Christine Hoza, D.C.Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide To What's Safe & What's Not. KISS For Health Publishing, 2007 Revised Edition

Copyright November 1, 2010 Be Food Smart