Polyphosphates

Similar term(s): sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP).

Phosphates are inorganic salts which contain phosphorous. Phosphate is the most common form of phosphorous in fertilizers and in waterways (see also phosphorous cycle).

Polyphosphates, which are phosphate polymers, are used as:

• household and industrial laundry and dishwashing detergents,
• a multipurpose food additive (particularly in meat and fish products).

Source: GreenFacts

Polyphosphates are used in fish processing to improve the retention of water in fish without undesirable flavour effects.

Polyphosphate treatment of fish before freezing often reduces the amount of thaw drip, which is the liquid released when frozen fish is thawed. Good quality fish, properly frozen and cold stored, normally develops little thaw drip; therefore application of polyphosphate to such material is generally only of slight value.

Source: GreenFacts

Fisheries