Question

There is an article about tripotassium phosphate that states the following:

Consumers may have health concerns about why this cleaning agent can be used in food, but that is the technical grade, not the food grade. When used as a food additive, it almost has no side effects and its safety has been approved by the FDA...

There is an answer here that nicely addresses the difference between lab-grade and food-grade purities but does that answer my question? My question specifically is what is the difference between technical-grade and food-grade tripotassium phosphate? Is it just a matter of impurities? At the atomic level, K3PO4 is K3PO4, whether it's being used as a commercial degreaser, a stain remover, or a food additive, no?

Answer 1

Technical-grade tripotassium phosphate contains impurities not suitable for consumption, while food-grade meets strict purity standards for safety. Environmental concerns highlight the use of phosphates in detergents, prompting a shift to phosphate-free alternatives. Tripotassium phosphate as a food additive is safe within FDA guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the atomic level, tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4) is the same compound whether it is used as a commercial degreaser or a food additive. However, the distinction between technical-grade and food-grade refers to the purity and suitability for consumption.

Technical-grade tripotassium phosphate may contain various impurities that are acceptable in non-food applications but can be harmful if consumed. In contrast, food-grade tripotassium phosphate meets rigorous purity standards set by regulatory agencies like the FDA to ensure safety for human consumption. Food-grade compounds also have to follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) that prevent contamination.

Impurities in technical-grade phosphates can cause environmental damage by promoting eutrophication, leading to adverse effects on aquatic life due to decreased levels of dissolved oxygen. Consequently, some detergents no longer contain phosphates and instead use alternative complexing agents.

When used as a food additive, tripotassium phosphate serves various purposes in food processing, including as an emulsifier or to maintain the texture and appearance of the food products. Its safety profile is validated by the FDA, given that it is used within the recommended concentration limits.