Trisodium Phosphate (TSP, E339iii) · Buffering, pH Control & Sequestration for Food Processing

Trisodium phosphate (TSP, E339iii) is an alkaline phosphate used for pH adjustment, buffering and sequestration in a range of food processing systems where sodium phosphates are permitted. By influencing ionic strength and pH, TSP can support protein functionality and process consistency in selected applications such as meat and seafood processing, dairy formulations and certain processed foods. In industrial settings, trisodium phosphate is also used in cleaning and process chemistry as an alkaline builder and water conditioning agent. Atlas Global Trading Co. supplies TSP in food-grade and technical-grade options (as required), supported by documentation, quality control and global logistics.

Function: pH control and buffering; sequestration and process stability support (phosphate salt)
Typical format: White crystalline powder or granules with good solubility in water
Key feature: Alkaline phosphate for controlled pH adjustment and process robustness in permitted food categories

Permissions, maximum use levels and labelling rules for phosphates vary by country and product category. Atlas provides documentation support; customers remain responsible for confirming regulatory compliance and declarations for their destination markets.

Product overview

What trisodium phosphate does in formulations

TSP is an alkaline sodium phosphate that can raise pH, provide buffering capacity and contribute to sequestration (metal-ion binding) in aqueous systems. In food processing, these functions can support consistent process performance, texture and stability in permitted applications. In phosphate system design, TSP may be used alone or blended with other sodium phosphates to tailor pH impact, solubility and functional outcomes.

Key characteristics

  • Chemical name: Trisodium phosphate (also known as tribasic sodium phosphate).
  • Food additive reference: Often associated with E339iii in many systems.
  • Primary roles:
    • pH adjustment and buffering in aqueous and processed-food systems,
    • Sequestration (metal-ion binding) that can support stability and reduce undesirable interactions,
    • Support for protein functionality in selected applications where permitted.
  • Typical appearance: White crystalline powder or granules.
  • Solubility: Soluble in water; dissolution behavior depends on grade and particle size.
  • System use:
    • Used in phosphate blends to tailor pH profile and functional performance,
    • Often combined with other phosphates in meat/seafood processing systems depending on regulatory allowances and performance needs.

Atlas can support grade selection and system guidance for processors using sodium phosphate solutions or dry blends.

Indicative specification points

Specifications depend on grade (food vs. technical) and destination requirements. Typical quality control points include:

  • Assay / purity: expressed as P2O5 content or equivalent; confirmed on COA.
  • pH (solution): controlled to support consistent buffering performance.
  • Insoluble matter: limited for clarity and stable processing solutions.
  • Moisture: controlled for flowability and storage stability.
  • Heavy metals and contaminants: within applicable limits for the intended use grade.
  • Particle size / bulk density: defined for dosing and handling requirements.

Each lot is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and specification sheet. For food-grade supply, additional documents may include allergen statements, GMO status (where applicable), origin declarations and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on the selected manufacturer.

Applications

Applications of TSP in food processing and industrial systems

Trisodium phosphate is used where controlled alkalinity, buffering and sequestration are needed. In food applications, usage is determined by permitted categories and maximum levels in each market, and performance should be confirmed through process trials. In industrial use, TSP is valued for alkalinity and water conditioning in specified formulations.

Food processing (where permitted)

  • Meat and poultry processing: used in some phosphate systems to adjust pH and support water-holding performance, depending on local rules.
  • Seafood processing: used in selected brines or blends where permitted to support stability and process consistency.
  • Dairy and dairy-style systems: used in certain applications for buffering and mineral interaction management.
  • Processed foods: used in specific categories for pH adjustment and functional phosphate effects where authorized.

Phosphate system design

  • Dry blends: used in compound phosphate systems to tailor pH shift and performance.
  • Solution dosing: dissolved for brines and process solutions; control final pH and ionic strength.

Processing water management

  • Hardness interaction: contributes to conditioning performance in certain process contexts, depending on formulation strategy.

Industrial applications

  • Cleaning and detergents: used as an alkaline builder in specified cleaning formulations.
  • Water treatment and process chemistry: used for alkalinity and conditioning in selected systems.
  • Surface preparation: used in certain industrial processes where alkaline phosphate salts are specified.

Usage and formulation guidance

  • Typical use level: depends on application and local regulations. Optimize through trials and comply with permitted limits.
  • Addition method:
    • Dissolve in water for process solutions and brines,
    • Use in dry phosphate blends for simplified dosing and consistent performance.
  • Process considerations:
    • Control pH to avoid excessive alkalinity that can impact flavor, color or texture in foods,
    • Validate interactions with salts, proteins and stabilizers under real production conditions.
  • Labelling:
    • Often declared as “trisodium phosphate” or “sodium phosphate,” and as E339iii where required, depending on local rules.

Need TSP for a phosphate system or industrial formulation?

Share your application (food processing category, brine/dry blend, industrial use), required grade (food vs. technical), target performance (pH, buffering, stability), destination markets, annual volume and documentation requirements. Atlas will propose suitable TSP options and provide QA/export documentation.

Discuss TSP supply
Quality & supply

Quality documentation and global supply support for trisodium phosphate

Atlas Global Trading Co. coordinates TSP supply from qualified manufacturers and manages documentation and export logistics from Ankara, Türkiye, serving food processors, ingredient blenders and industrial customers worldwide.

Quality and documentation

  • Supplied in food-grade or technical-grade options with specifications aligned to the intended use.
  • Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and specification sheet.
  • For food-grade supply, documentation can include allergen statements, GMO status (where applicable), origin declarations and Halal/Kosher certificates depending on manufacturer.
  • Manufacturing sites typically operate under recognised quality and safety systems; certificates can be shared on request.
  • Customers remain responsible for confirming permitted uses, maximum levels and labelling requirements in each destination market.

Packaging, storage and logistics

  • Standard packaging: commonly 25 kg bags; alternative packaging may be available depending on origin and grade.
  • Suitable for full-container or consolidated shipments with other phosphates and functional ingredients from the Atlas portfolio.
  • Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed original packaging to avoid moisture uptake and caking.
  • Shelf life is stated on the COA/specification; validate performance in your process and storage conditions.
  • Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms with export documentation support coordinated from Ankara.

For a quotation, please share your required grade, application category, annual volume, packaging preference and documentation requirements for your destination markets.

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