Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)

Sodium tripolyphosphate is an inorganic condensed phosphate used widely in food processing and in detergents. In meat, poultry and seafood processing it is the standard phosphate for water binding — it raises pH, dissociates the actomyosin complex and increases the water-holding capacity of the protein, which improves yield, juiciness and texture. It also sequesters metal ions, which helps control oxidative rancidity. In technical use it functions as a builder in detergent formulations and as a dispersant. The material is a white powder or granule, soluble in water, giving an alkaline solution. Permitted use levels in food are regulated and vary by market and product category.