SHMP is short for sodium hexametaphosphate and is a polyphosphate commonly used  in seafood, dairy, meat processing, sausage, water treatment and toothpaste. E452i is the food additive number assigned to SHMP in European countries. When added to foods, it generally acts as  an emulsifier, thickener, chelating agent, or texturizer.

What is sodium hexametaphosphate

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a hexamer of (NaPO3)6, better known as sodium phosphate. This water-soluble phosphate consists of chains of 6 repeating phosphate units.

What is SHMP made of

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a combination of polymeric metaphosphates and the hexamer.

It is also known as sodium polymetaphosphate. Sodium hexametaphosphate is one of the inorganic polyphosphates that are created during a  chemical synthesis process. It is a white or colorless powder, granular or transparent flakes.

Applications of SHMP In Food

SHMP is commonly used in food and beverage, water treatment, personal care, and industrial applications. Available in powder, glass or granule form. It also exists in technical grade or food grade. The Main applications of SHMP chmical in Food In  general, SHMP is one of the multifunctional ingredients that acts as a pH regulator, texturizer, bulking agent, binder and metal ion chelating agent.

Food grade sodium hexametaphosphate is also used as a type of crosslinking agent that reacts with ingredients such as starch in the manufacture of modified food starch. This process increases the molecular weight of the starch and stabilizes the structure of the starch. SHMP is also commonly used  with other types of sodium phosphates in the processing of shellfish, fish and other types of aquatic products or items as a flavor or quality enhancer or as an effective water retention agent. It is also used as an emulsifying salt Type. 

Uses in Beverages. SHMP is added to many different types of beverages. Extends shelf life, improves clarity, enhances flavor and stops cloudiness in carbonated beverages and fruit juices. It is also used to stabilize protein and improve  protein flavor.

Uses in Canned food. SHMP stabilizes the natural pigments contained in canned vegetables, fruit and beans. This helps preserve and protect the colors in these packaged products. It can also be used to emulsify the fat present in canned meat, giving it a more consistent appearance. Texture. Food grade SHMP is also commonly used in combination with other types of phosphates to enhance flavor, retain moisture and extend shelf life when  processing cheese, meat, dairy, poultry and seafood.

Is sodium hexametaphosphate safe as Food Additive

FDA, EFSA, JECFA and other agencies have approved food grade SHMP as a safe food additive. SHMP can be used in almost all food categories with maximum values of 10,000 mg/l or mg/kg.