pH buffering agent for the production of adhesives for waxed paper, Toner, a mercerizing enhancer for fabrics, anti-embrittlement for thread making. Popular cereals (including Lucky Charms and Cheerios) contain "paint thinner" and pose a danger to children. WHAT IS TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE Trisodium phosphate is a strong chemical. Fears over the presence of a chemical known as trisodium phosphate (or tribasic sodium phosphate; TSP) in cereals like Lucky Charms and Cheerios have been circulating on social media sites and message boards for years. Trisodium phosphate is a food additive used in packaged baked goods and meat products. TSP helps cereal flow through the extruder. It is still being sold and used in the USA as a cleaning agent, enema (laxative) and food additive. This is shocking Why would a company be allowed to make such garbage Why would it reach the shelves It's poisonous Food-grade sodium phosphate has been frequently used throughout the world and is considered as a harmless ingredient by chief dogmatic agencies like the FDA and the European Union. And other industries as water softeners and detergents, boiler antiscalants, water softeners in paper dyeing. Trisodium phosphate is a food additive used in packaged baked goods and meat products. Allow us to reiterate something your mother told you long ago: Rumors are bad. This chemical is used in industrial products, such as bleach and paint thinner. “Phosphoric Acid and Phosphate Salts.” And why wouldn’t they? Trisodium phosphate is used to adjust acid levels in cereals, for example. Refer immediately for medical attention" if ingested. It's also useful for emulsifying oils - breaking them up into tiny suspended droplets so they mix well with liquid solutions. Concerning this, most of the cereals are known to have some level of acidity that may be harmful to … As an ingredient in detergents, degreasers, and mildew removers, … Each of us needs phosphorus in our diets to have healthy, strong bones, build protein, and store energy. Trisodium phosphate. A typical solution for heavy duty cleaning is ½ cup of TSP dissolved in 2 gallons of water — equivalent to about 300 grams of TSP. Sarah Mahala Photography & Makeup Artistry. Tri-Sodium Phosphate is a chemical that is placed in foods to adjust the acidic nature of the cereal dough but after researching the chemical, it is dangerous and is not healthy for a human to consume. This would be a fine place to point out that sodium bicarbonate, as well, can cause health problems up to and including a stomach rupture if an extreme and unrealistic amount is consumed. It is an inorganic phosphate which can be detrimental to our health. You can also find it hidden in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and photochemicals, as well as toothpaste, mouthwash, baking soda, and food. Trisodium phosphate was effectively used in detergents and soaps because of its alkaline property that cuts through oily surfaces and removes dirt. It also helps to remove the shine on high-gloss painted surfaces. Is Trisodium Phosphate Bad for You? You are not alone. Remember me. Trisodium phosphate in cereal There is concern surrounding the protection of food additives, which can be utilized to prolong shelf life, improve flavor and enhance the texture. The current use of calcium phosphates in food processing is without harmful effects on the health of consumers and, in some instances, may be advantageous. According to LiveStrong, TSP affects color, extrusion, and adds phosphorus. Many sources say aids the addition of calcium, (1, 2). For the sake of our shared love for breakfast cereal, we decided to do a little bit of research. Trisodium phosphate is just one of several other phosphate additives the food industry uses, including tripolyphosphate, tripotassium phosphate, hexametaphosphate, acid pyrophosphate, and orthophosphates. It’s so named for the canines heard howling in the winter months. The USDA classifies trisodium phosphate as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), allowing its use in baked goods, breads, meats, and cheese. INCHEM. trisodium phosphate in cereal Are there benefits of the additive? That’s why we don’t include any harmful preservatives or questionable ingredients in our products — leave that stuff for the paint thinner. Powered by Shopify. in our diets to have healthy, strong bones, build protein, and store energy. A wide variety of trisodium phosphate in cereal options are available to you, such as classification, grade standard, and type. “Buffers and Buffer Capacity.” Users remarked that there are plenty of cereals that don’t use TSP (hello, Cereal School), and the level of freshness is “just fine.”. The calcium is then deposited in your blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart, which can lead to increased … Trisodium Phosphate (E339) is a compound that is widely used as a food additive in many countries. TSP, too, can be used as a leavening agent, as both sodium bicarbonate and TSP react with acidic compounds present in dough to release carbon dioxide (creating air bubbles that cause the dough to rise).     Accessed 22 May 2017. And you can find it in some breakfast cereals. I did a little digging on this topic recently and discovered that the culprit—trisodium phosphate (TSP)—often found in cereal, has gotten a bad rap. More relevant, but related to the same underlying chemistry, is the fact that both TSP and sodium carbonate can serve as buffering agents, which resist changes in pH. However, you may also see Sodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate or Tripotassium Phosphate on the label instead of just the typical Trisodium Phosphate. That higher amount, in part, gives TSP the chemical properties needed to act as a reliable cleaning agent while also imparting a modicum of physical risk, both attributable to its high pH. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water. We the children want Trisodium Phosphate removed from our cereals and other foods. Trisodium Phosphate in Cereals Is Harmless to Consume. That's what they say. Trisodium phosphate is a common food additive found in many types of processed items like cereals, cheeses, soda and baked goods. Alibaba.com offers 808 trisodium phosphate in cereal products. It's something that the FDA has approved to be used in your food. Terms of service     1975. In canned tuna, phosphates help reduce crystal (struvite) formation. It’s a food additive found in cereal, processed cheese, jams, pop, processed meats, fast food and more. Sign in . We’re not big fans of added sugar in cereal, so if white sugar, corn syrup, and wheat flour don’t meet our standards, you know toxic paint thinner doesn’t stand a chance. TSP is found in food as a leavening agent to keep especially baked foods shelf-beautiful and “fluffy” looking longer. --Bill.albing 20:32, 17 December 2011 (UTC) Trisodium phosphate adds, well, phosphates, which are essential nutrients. It is a combination of sodium and phosphate. It was found to be harmful and seized from usage in 2011. Eaten as a dinner entree? FREE Shipping + 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. Trisodium phosphate is added to cereals to enhance their color and also to make the cereal flow more easily through the extruder during manufacturing. The issue, similarly, is not whether TSP is used as a cleaning product — it is. Various “debunking” sites state that trisodium phosphate is safe to consume because the amounts used in foods are far less than the high levels of phosphates used in cleaners and industrial products. TSP is used in paint thinners and cleaning products. Were Panic Buttons Removed From Democratic Lawmaker’s Office Prior to Insurrection? Tiny amounts are used in food to control acidity levels, and to mix oil and water as an emulsifier. Trisodium phosphate helps to maintain moisture and increase the effectiveness of phosphorus in the cereals, increasing one’s physical ability. Certain foods. One of the ingredients Cheerios are made from is a chemical called Trisodium phosphate. Trisodium phosphate is commonly used in commercial cereals and meats among other processed foods, thus it should be an additive that consumers are aware of and on the lookout for. Fears over the presence of a chemical known as trisodium phosphate (or tribasic sodium phosphate; TSP) in cereals like Lucky Charms and Cheerios have been circulating on social media sites and message boards for years. Consumers — ourselves included — didn’t buy it. Straight out of the bag? Talking about washing garage floors, Cheerios also contains tripotassium phosphate, a powerful cleaning agent. This also helps the new paint to stick and stay. Sodium bicarbonate, however, is better known as baking soda, and it is instrumental as a leavening agent (something that makes dough rise) when baking, among other things, chocolate chip cookies. You know how seriously we take our cereal. Consuming foods that contain a small amount of sodium phosphate is not injurious to your health. So why on earth is it being used in breakfast cereal (which is, in fact, ingested)? So, you need to ask yourself, what do you want to be putting into your body? Toilet bowl tablets use this ingredient in most …     Accessed 22 May 2017. | … This petition had 1,368 supporters. Did Marine Corps Tell Pelosi, ‘We Don’t Work For You’? Your IP address 172.69.135.227 has been flagged for potential security violations. The United States Food and Drug Administration lists these food additives as generally recognized as safe, however, it is best for your overall health to reduce your intake of processed foods as much as … (The ingredient is found in other popular cereals as well). ? These also can cause the same health problems as TSP so you really need to keep your eyes open. Ever wondered why trisodium phosphate is in your cereal? Trisodium phosphate uses traditionally revolved around industrial and residential cleaning. Moreover, TKP is used to regulate the acidity of certain foods, especially cereals. According to Wikipedia, Trisodium phosphate was found to be ecologically damaging. Those who signed the petition have a valid point. Trisodium phosphate, as discussed above, is very basic. The CDC recommends avoiding all consumption of TSP due to how it can lead to frighteningly harmful health issues such as kidney damage and calcium removal from bones. Trisodium Phosphate. Now, when Trisodium Phosphate is used for cleaning, it’s mixed at a ratio of a one-half cup (170 grams) in two gallons of water. In fact. , particularly with packaged products such as sausage, bacon, and lunch meat. Refer immediately for medical attention" if ingested. An apt comparison for a number of reasons is the chemical sodium bicarbonate. One of the ingredients Cheerios are made from is a chemical called Trisodium phosphate. You may have heard the claims about “antifreeze” being found in kids cereal. Eaten as a dinner entree? from consumers angered about the use of trisodium phosphate in their cereal. Trisodium phosphate is used mainly for chemicals, textiles, printing, dyeing, paper making, and power generation. Jennifer White Maxwell / Shutterstock.com. Not this girl. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is added in small amounts to adjust the acidity of the mix used to formulate the cereal. […] In laboratory animals and presumably in man, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone resorption may be induced when the diet furnishes an otherwise adequate amount of calcium but excessive levels of phosphorus. The Truth: It’s true that General Mills cereal (and many other consumer products) contain Trisodium Phosphate, but claims that it poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of consumers are unfounded. If you add it up in all the commerically produced foods normally eaten today - it may well be several times that. Be the first to hear about promotions and new flavors. This is a massive amount, considering that a regular box of Cheerios (all ingredients included) contains just over 300 grams of food in total. They make it nearly impossible to distinguish between fact and fiction. The FDA approves it, determining that a safe and acceptable daily intake is 70 mg per kg of body weight, meaning a 70 kg person can consume almost 5 grams of it without ill effects. Why is trisodium phosphate used in cereal? The USDA states that trisodium phosphate is generally safe, but that’s not always the best measurement of health. No thank you. Lots of processed foods contain TSP. Used in meat to hold in moisture, when cooked as well as stored, the chemical is used in cheese to … Over the past several years, large cereal companies, like General Mills, have caught some heat for including it in their breakfast cereal. But Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is not just present in cereal, it is one of the key ingredients in all sorts of processed foods. Daily consumption of food products can cause obesity. Trisodium phosphate is a phosphate salt you can find in processed cheese, baked goods, cereals, energy bars, colas, sports drinks, and beverages . At the amounts found in food, though, both TSP and sodium bicarbonate are perfectly safe, as the FDA concludes: None of the [approved sodium phosphate additives are] intrinsically harmful and their use in foods does not present a hazard when the total amount of phosphorus ingested and the intakes of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and other nutrients are satisfactory. (The ingredient is found in other popular cereals as well). The fact about trisodium phosphate, it is currently being used in multiple of food industries. In the simplest terms, trisodium phosphate is a food additive and preservative. Trisodium phosphate is a food additive found in many kinds of items such as cereals, cheeses, baked and soda products. Breakfast cereals seem to be the products that most commonly contain TSP. Was ‘TRUMP’ Carved into a Florida Manatee’s Back? , for example, believes sodium phosphates are of “moderate concern.” The non-profit organization cites several studies noting that sodium phosphates have been linked to an increased risk in chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and coronary artery disease. In the simplest terms, trisodium phosphate is a food additive and preservative. We’re not usually ones to pick sides (hold on one second, we’re totally ones to pick sides when it comes to cereal), but we can’t help but agree with those on Change.org — if something is powerful enough to strip paint off walls, should it really be going into your digestive system? Snopes writes posts on all kinds of things from political issues, historical events, and even, yes–paint thinner in cereal. Trisodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt commonly used by construction workers and developer, but most parents who buy breakfast cereals for their kids, don’t expect to find TSP as an ingredient in cereals of stores like Trader Joe's that offer people a higher quality of food. Trisodium phosphate in cereals: With the rising health awareness, today, all of us are keen to explore what is in our plate and what are. UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Per the Website In R Food, Trisodium Phosphate has … It’s added to processed meats, canned Tuna, processed cheese, canned soups, cakes, and other baked products. Of course. What is Trisodium Phosphate? Trisodium phosphate is made by combining sodium and phosphate (which is derived from phosphorus). Poisoning occurs if you orally take it, inhale it, or even spill large amounts of this substance onto your skin. Generally, such phosphate salts are added to foods (in small amounts) because they have antimicrobial, acidifying, leavening, anti-caking, flavor enhancing, and moisture binding properties ( 3 ). Trisodium Phosphate, also known as TSP and paint thinner, can be found in Lucky Charms and other General Mills cereals, jeopardizing the health of kids and consumers.     Accessed 22 May 2017. Is ‘Paint Thinner’ Trisodium Phosphate Found in Cereals? Cleaning. Welcome, Login to your account. Trisodium Phosphate (E339) is a compound that is widely used as a food additive in many countries. A Washington Post article, which noted the use of phosphates in packaged meats, quoted experts who said that phosphates are connected to many health risks, including early death. It also has the power to act as a degreasing agent and bleach for your countertops. However, the amounts used in food-grade trisodium phosphate, like breakfast cereal, are far less. , aren’t toxic in small doses, but repeated consumption can lead to various health risks. Case in point: The USDA doesn’t have any issues with grains or added sugar. For example, consuming one gram of trisodium phosphate could cause health problems, including diarrhea and abdominal pain. The FDA classes it as safe - but notes a daily intake of 70 milligrams. Basically, Trisodium phosphate belongs to a group of phosphorus-derived food additives. , which noted the use of phosphates in packaged meats, quoted experts who said that phosphates are connected to many health risks, including early death. “Phosphoric Acid and Phosphate Salts.” This couple has basically set themselves up as, and is highly regarded as, experts on all things. TSP will act as a cereal buffer, it helps to regulate acidity levels and preserve cereals to gain shelf life. --Bill.albing 20:32, 17 December 2011 (UTC) Trisodium phosphate adds, well, phosphates, which are essential nutrients. The fact about trisodium phosphate, it is currently being used in multiple of food industries. It is an inorganic phosphate which can be detrimental to our health. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, producing an alkaline solution. It’s used as a cleaning (and bleaching) agent in a number of industrial cleaning products, paint removers being one of them. Tripotassium phosphate (E340) is used as a food additive for its characteristics as a foaming agent, emulsifier, and whipping agent. One concern about phosphate additives in general is that they are very well absorbed—sometimes up to 100 percent—which can lead to elevated blood levels. “The Use of Chemical Additives in Food Processing.” Privacy Policy Somewhere in upstate New York, gigantic signs advertise this park. But bashing robust science might. According to LiveStrong, TSP affects color, extrusion, and adds phosphorus. The problem is, a lot of research about phosphates is ongoing, leaving a number of questions unresolved. The top selling cereals are loaded with added sugar and refined grains. This chemical is used in industrial products, such as bleach and paint thinner. The brand assured buyers that trisodium phosphate was “just salt” that adjusts the acidic nature of food, and adjusts the cereal color. In terms of food science, buffers are added to counter changes to pH caused by the addition of more acidic elements during the production of a food item. But is the ubiquitous ingredient actually safe to consume? Eleanor Cummins. , we believe there’s no need for trisodium phosphate in food. While uncontroversially used as an additive in cereal since at least the 1950s, a popular picture highlighting Lucky Charms ingredients was ultimately able to generate a recent bout of panic about its use: Snopes’ Take on Trisodium Phosphate in Cereal. This is what has led to the rise of the question of whether there are any benefits attached to trisodium phosphate in cereal. Unfortunately, this chemical is showing up in places such as lunch meat and cereal, … Encyclopedia Britannica. Phosphorus and sodium are both beneficial minerals that are linked to numerous health benefits. Trisodium phosphate (TSP), also referred to as trisodium orthophosphate or sodium phosphate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na3PO4. Sounds bad, right? Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na 3 PO 4.It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, producing an alkaline solution. All of these products contain trisodium phosphate: some automatic dishwashing soaps, some toilet bowl cleaners, foods like cereal and nutrition snacks and more. And lately, we’ve been wanting to get to the bottom of a rumor circulating the deep, dark depths of the internet: That trisodium phosphate in cereal is also the primary ingredient in paint thinner. Mixed with bleach, it removes mildew and even mold. Trisodium phosphate cuts through tough grime including grease, smoke, and soot, like no other cleaner. While the … Trisodium phosphate. But we are quite picky about what goes into our cereal. Have you ever heard of this ingredient? Many folks are getting more concerned about what constitutes their favorite breakfast cereal. Trisodium phosphate. A wide variety of trisodium phosphate in cereal options are available to you, such as classification, grade standard, and type. This too has raised the ire of some ill-informed activists who do not realize that we consume all sorts of naturally occurring phosphates regularly in our diet. Trisodium phosphate can act as the acidity regulator and reduce the acid nature of the food and can always be found in in dry and extruded cereals. On the other hand, some organizations are a bit skeptical. Because you might just be getting more than a little. Trisodium phosphate uses traditionally revolved around industrial and residential cleaning. Well, this is where things get a little dicey. 5.30.2017 9:58 PM. The petition describes trisodium phosphate as a chemical that is “dangerous and is not healthy for a human to consume.” It also states that the ingredient is “used in paint thinners and cleaning products.” And while it acknowledges the FDA’s claim that the ingredient is safe, it offers a counter-argument saying, “Why have it at all? More important, however, TSP’s use as a food buffering agent and its use as an industrial cleaning agent involve vastly different scales. Many sources say aids the addition of calcium, (1, 2). Trisodium phosphate takes off the weathered chalk-like coating on previously painted surfaces. In canned tuna, phosphates help reduce crystal (struvite) formation. The above-mentioned property of Trisodium phosphate (TSP) also changes the natural color of cereal (which is dusty brown) and makes it appear golden yellow. What Is Trisodium Phosphate & Its Applications? So, you might see phosphates used to cure and preserve meats, particularly with packaged products such as sausage, bacon, and lunch meat. The problem is, a lot of research about phosphates is ongoing, leaving a number of questions unresolved. Richard Gosselin started this petition to General Mills and 2 others. Trisodium Phosphate is naturally found in foods such as milk, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, cereals, soda, cheese, and baked stocks. But bashing robust science might. You betcha. Phosphorus and sodium are both beneficial minerals that are linked to numerous health benefits. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. The company also brought up the FDA, noting that the federal organization marked the product as safe to use in a number of foods. Trisodium phosphate is a phosphate salt you can find in processed cheese, baked goods, cereals, energy bars, colas, sports drinks, and beverages . If you share the same high standards we have about what goes into your morning bowl — not just. My name is Richard and I am thirteen years old. Trisodium Phosphate (E339) In Cereals & Other Foods – Side Effects and Uses. These put people at a high risk of obesity. But we are quite picky about, For the sake of our shared love for breakfast cereal, we decided to do a little bit of research. In baked goods, they help extend shelf-life and act as a leavening agent for packaged muffins, cakes, and store-bought cookies. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na 3 PO 4. It is often used as an ingredient in popular breakfast foods, which tend to be highly processed. Trisodium phosphate is added to cereals to enhance their color and also to make the cereal flow more easily through the extruder during manufacturing. While the FDA considers it generally safe to consume as a food additive, high levels of inorganic phosphorus (aka sodium phosphate) can pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. A list of foods and cereals containing trisodium phosphate is easy enough to find online so we will omit our own list for now. Trisodium phosphate is a common food additive found in cereals, sodas, dairy products and baked goods. Trisodium Phosphate is an inorganic salt commonly used by construction workers and developer, but most parents who buy breakfast cereals for their kids, don’t expect to find TSP as an ingredient in cereals of stores like Trader Joe's that offer people a higher quality of food.