Ins E450 is a food additive belonging to a group of compounds known as phosphates, which are widely used in the food industry. Ins E450 includes nine products until 2023. They are: E450(i), E450(ii), E450(iii), E450(iv), E450(v), E450(vi), E450(vii), E450(viii), E450(ix).
The following are their specific product names:
| E 450(i) | Diphosphate Disodium |
| E 450 (ii) | Trisodium Diphosphate |
| E 450 (iii) | TetrasodicC Diphosphate |
| E 450(iv) | Dipotassium Diphosphate |
| E 450 (v) | Tetrapotassium Diphosphate |
| E 450 (vi) | Dicalcium Diphosphate |
| E 450 (vii) | Calcium Diacid Diphosphate |
| E 450 (viii) | Dimagnesium Diphosphate |
| E 450 (ix) | Magnesium Diacid Diphosphate |
E450 is commonly used in baked goods, processed meats, canned foods, dairy products, and even beverages.
In this article, we will explore what E450 is, its role in the food industry, and its various functions in food. We will also discuss the safety issues surrounding E450. So, let’s take a deeper look into the world of E450 and discover all there is to know about this widely used food ingredient.E450(i) diphosphate Disodium
E450(i) DIPHOSPHATE DISODIUM
| Synonyms | Disodium dibasic diphosphate; Disodium dibasic pyrophosphate; Sodium acid pyrophosphate; Disodium pyrophosphate |
| Chemical formula | Na2H2P2O7 |
| Molecular weight | 221.94 |
| Description | White powder or granules |
| CAS NO. | 7758-16-9 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, stabilizer, Acidity Regulator, Raising agent, Antioxidant, Emulsifying salt stabilizer, Humectant |
| Composition | Contains: 95 %min P2 O5: 63,0 %~ 64,5 % |
Common Uses
- Baking Powder: Na2H2P2O7 is often used in baking powder as a leavening agent, helping to make baked goods rise during cooking.
- Meat Products: Na2H2P2O7 is commonly used in processed meat products like sausages to improve texture and prevent spoilage.
- Canned Foods: Na2H2P2O7 can help preserve canned foods by controlling their acidity levels, preventing discoloration, and enhancing flavor.
- Potato Chips: Na2H2P2O7 helps to maintain the crispiness of potato chips by preventing the oil from soaking into the chips.
- Emulsifier: Na2H2P2O7 is used as an emulsifier to keep ingredients in food products such as salad dressings and mayonnaise from separating.
Activator for Yeast: Na2H2P2O7 activates yeast in dough, which makes it easier to handle, and improves the overall quality of the baked goods.
E 450 (ii) TRISODIUM DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Trisodium pyrophosphate; Trisodium diphosphate monoacid; Trisodium pyrophosphate monoacid; |
| Chemical formula | Monohydrate: Na3HP2O7 – H2O Anhydrous: Na3HP2O7 |
| Molecular weight | Monohydrate: 261,95 Anhydrous: 243,93 |
| Description | White powder or grains, occurs anhydrous or as a mono hydrate |
| CAS NO. | 14691-80-6 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Heightening agent, Antioxidant, Emulsifier salt, Stabilizer, Humectant. |
| Composition | Contains: 95 %min P2 O5: 57 %~ 59 % |
Common Uses
- Emulsifiers: Na3HP2O7 is an emulsifying agent that helps to mix oil- and water-based ingredients in foods such as cheese, processed meats, dressings, and sauces.
- Acidity Regulators: Both Na3HP2O7 and Na3HP2O7·H2O are used to regulate the acidity levels in various types of food products such as canned foods, beverages, and baked goods.
- Leavening Agents: The sodium phosphates are used as leavening agents in baked goods to help create a light and fluffy texture.
- Meat Products: These compounds are used in meat processing to maintain quality, improve texture, and extend shelf life.
- Cheese: Sodium phosphates are used in the cheese-making process to enhance melting properties and prevent clumping.
- Beverages: They are used in sports drinks and other beverages to regulate acidity levels and improve flavor.
E 450 (iii) TETRASODIC DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Tetrasodium pyrophosphate; Tetrasodium diphosphate; Tetrasodium phosphate |
| Chemical formula | Anhydrous: Na4P2O7 Decahydrate: Na4P2O7 – 10H2O |
| Molecular weight | Anhydrous: 265,94 Decahydrate: 446,09 |
| Description | White or colourless crystals or white crystalline or granular powder. Decahydrate is slightly efflorescent in dry air |
| CAS NO. | Anhydrous: 7722-88-5 Decahydrate: 13472-36-1 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Raising agent, Antioxidant, Emulsifying salt, Stabilizer, Humectant |
| Composition | Contains: 95 %min P2 O5: 57 %~ 59 % |
Common Uses
- Meat Products: Na4P2O7 is commonly used in meat processing to improve water retention and texture, which can increase yield and reduce costs.
- Starch Modification: It’s used in starch modification to control viscosity and enhance gel formation, improving texture and stability in processed foods.
- Beverages: Na4P2O7 is added to beverages such as sports drinks to regulate acidity levels and improve flavor.
- Cheese: It’s used in cheese production to prevent clumping and improve melting properties.
- Processed Foods: Na4P2O7 acts as a texturizer and emulsifier in processed foods like canned soups, sauces, and gravies, improving product stability and texture.
- Bakery Products: It’s used as a leavening agent in bakery products such as cakes, muffins, and bread, creating a light and fluffy texture.
E450(iv) DIPOTASSIUM DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Diphosphoric acid, dipotassium salt Potassium acid pyrophosphate Dipotassium pyrophosphate |
| Chemical formula | K2H2P2O7 |
| Molecular weight | 254.16 |
| CAS NO. | 14691-84-0 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Raising agent, Antioxidant, Emulsifier salt, Stabilizer, Humectant |
Common Uses
- Food Industry: K2H2P2O7 is used as an acidulant and pH regulator in the food industry. It is commonly added to beverages, dairy products, and processed foods to adjust the acidity level and enhance flavor. It is also used in the production of food additives, such as emulsifiers and stabilizers.
- Water Treatment: K2H2P2O7 is employed in water treatment processes, particularly in the preparation of cooling tower water. It helps control the pH of the water, prevent scale formation, and inhibit the growth of microorganisms. It is also utilized in the production of detergents and soaps for water-softening purposes.
- Metal Cleaning and Surface Treatment: K2H2P2O7 is an effective agent for removing rust, scale, and oxides from metal surfaces. It is used in metal cleaning applications to prepare surfaces for painting, coating, or further processing. The acid’s ability to dissolve metal oxides makes it useful in metal surface treatment and metal finishing industries.
- Industrial Chemical Synthesis: K2H2P2O7 is a valuable reagent in various chemical synthesis reactions. It is used as a catalyst or intermediate in the production of phosphates, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. The acid’s properties make it suitable for synthesizing compounds that require the introduction or removal of phosphate groups.
- Laboratory Applications: In laboratory settings, K2H2P2O7 finds use as a reagent for chemical analysis and research purposes. It can be utilized in experiments that involve the manipulation of phosphate-based compounds or the adjustment of pH levels in reactions.
E 450 (v) TETRAPOTASSIUM DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate |
| Chemical formula | K4P2O7 |
| Molecular weight | 330.34 (anhydrous) |
| Description | Colourless crystals or white powder, very hygroscopic |
| CAS NO. | 7320-34-5 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Raising agent, Antioxidant,Emulsifying salt, Stabilizer, Humectant |
| Composition | Contains: 95 %min P2 O5: 42 %~ 43.7% |
Common Uses
- Meat Products: K4P2O7 is commonly used in meat processing to improve water retention, texture, and flavor, which can increase yield and reduce costs.
- Emulsifier: It acts as an emulsifier in processed foods like salad dressings, sauces, and gravies, improving product stability and texture.
- Cheese: It’s used in cheese production to prevent clumping and improve melting properties.
- Seafood Products: K4P2O7 helps to maintain the color and texture of seafood products during processing and storage.
- Canned Foods: It’s added to canned foods to improve texture, prevent discoloration, and enhance flavor.
E 450 (vi) DICALCIUM DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Calcium pyrophosphate |
| Chemical formula | Ca2P2O7 |
| Molecular weight | 254.12 |
| Description | White, fine, odourless powder |
| CAS NO. | 7790-76-3 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Raising agent, Antioxidant, Emulsifier salt,Stabilizer, Humectant |
| Composition | Contains: 96 %min P2 O5: 55 %~ 56 % |
Common Uses
- Baked Goods: Ca2P2O7 is often used as a leavening agent in baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and bread, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Meat Products: It’s commonly used in meat processing to improve water retention, texture, and flavor, which can increase yield and reduce costs.
- Emulsifier: It acts as an emulsifier in processed foods like salad dressings, sauces, and gravies, improving product stability and texture.
- Canned Foods: It’s added to canned foods to improve texture, prevent discoloration, and enhance flavor.
- Nutritional Supplements: Ca2P2O7 is used in the production of vitamin and mineral supplements to provide a source of calcium and phosphorus.
450 (vii) CALCIUM DIACID DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Calcium acid pyrophosphate; Monocalcium dibasic pyrophosphate |
| Chemical formula | CaH2P2O7 |
| Molecular weight | 215.97 |
| Description | White crystals or white powder |
| CAS NO. | 14866-19-4 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Raising agent, Antioxidant, Emulsifying salt, Stabilizer, Humectant |
| Composition | Contains: 90 %min P2O5: 61 %~ 66 % |
Common Uses
- Baked Goods: CaH2P2O7 is often used as a leavening agent in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and bread, where it reacts with baking soda or baking powder to produce carbon dioxide gas, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Dairy Products: It’s used in dairy products like cheese to prevent clumping and improve melting properties.
- Processed Foods: It acts as an emulsifier in processed foods such as salad dressings, sauces, and gravies, improving product stability and texture.
- Beverages: CaH2P2O7 is added to beverages like sports drinks to regulate acidity levels and improve flavor.
- Canned Foods: It’s added to canned foods like soups to improve texture, prevent discoloration, and enhance flavor.
E 450 (viii) DIMAGNESIUM DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | MAGNESIUM PYROPHOSPHATE |
| Chemical formula | Mg2P2O7 |
| Molecular weight | 222.55 |
| Description | White crystals or white powder |
| CAS NO. | 13446-24-7 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity regulator, Raising agent |
Common Uses
- Dental care: Mg2P2O7 is used as an ingredient in toothpaste formulations to help remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar on teeth.
- Food additive: It is used as a food additive, primarily as an anti-caking agent or a buffering agent.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Mg2P2O7 can be used as a pharmaceutical excipient to facilitate the delivery of active ingredients in tablet or capsule form.
- Agriculture: Mg2P2O7 is used as a fertilizer due to its high phosphorus content. It helps promote plant growth and development.
- Industrial applications: It is used in various industrial applications like in the production of ceramics, glass, and other materials.
E 450 (ix) MAGNESIUM DIACID DIPHOSPHATE
| Synonyms | Magnesium acid pyrophosphate; diacid monomagnesium pyrophosphate; magnesium diphosphate; |
| Chemical formula | Mg(H2P2O7)2 |
| Molecular weight | 200.26 |
| Description | White crystals or white powder |
| CAS NO. | 20768-12-1 |
| Technological Function | Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Acidity Regulator, Raising agent |
| Composition | P2O5: 15.4 % |
Common Uses
Baked Goods: MgH2P2O7 is primarily used as a leavening agent in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and bread. When combined with baking soda or baking powder, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets in the dough or batter, making the final product light and fluffy.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the use of E450 in food and has determined that it is safe within specific maximum levels of intake known as an acceptable daily intake (ADI). The ADI refers to the maximum amount of a substance that can be safely consumed by an individual over a long period. E450 is also regulated and approved for use in food products in various European countries based on their own laws and regulations.
Why do we use E 450 Additives?
Diphosphates are emulsifiers that improve the texture of confectionery, icings, whipped cream, and other similar fat products. In meat products, ice cream, and cheese manufacturing, they act as buffering agents, metal sequestrants (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg), and peptizing agents. They also help regulate viscosity, particularly tetrasodium diphosphate E450 iii in doughs.
Moreover, diphosphates function as antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of fatty products, such as pastry and confectionery. By increasing the oxidation stability of these products, diphosphates ensure that their quality and shelf life are maintained.
Conclusion
Euro standard E450 encompasses several phosphate-based food additives used in various food products. Each compound within this group has its own unique chemical formula and properties that determine its role in different food products. By understanding the differences and uses of these compounds, we can make more informed choices about what we eat and how it affects our health.
