Worse, you might not even know its there, because labelling of this potentially toxic chemical is not mandatory in the US, says Ms Logan.
So what is it? Its an additivecalled sodium tripolyphosphate, or STPP for shortand it is used to make your seafood appear firmer, smoother and glossier. Seafood manufacturers may soak your seafood in a quick chemical bath of STPP in order to achieve these effects.
Some of the more commonly soaked seafood items include scallops, shrimp and anything filleted thats very flakylike hake, sole or imitation crab meat, Ms Logan continues.
If seafood is soaked for too long in an STPP bath, it may absorb more water, which means youll pay more for the product by the pound because the excess water makes it weigh more. A product may have been soaked with STPP if a milky white liquid oozes from the fish as you cook it, and it may also deflate in size a bit.
In large quantities, STPP is a suspected neurotoxin, as well as a registered pesticide and known air contaminant in the state of California.
How can one steer clear of STPP? Ask at your market or fish shop if the scallops or shrimp youre being sold are dry. You can ask the same thing of waiters at seafood restaurantsthey should have an understanding of the topic. (In industry-speak, wet fish means a product has been soaked in phosphates.) You can also check labels of packaged products, which may list STPP as an ingredient. Unfortunately, its not mandatory for companies and sellers to do so, concludes Ms Logan.
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sodium tripolyphosphate
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 8, .
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Sodium tripolyphosphate, STPP, is a chemical often used to soak seafood so that it will appear more firm and glossy. It is also known as pentasodium salt or triphosphoric acid. STPP is also an ingredient in detergents and soaps. Most gel, liquid, tablet, and powder forms of both laundry and dishwasher detergent contain STPP. As a food, it is generally regarded as safe, but large ingested amounts of the product can be toxic.
List of medications using Sodium Tripolyphosphate
References
- FDA. Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews. Sodium tripolyphosphate. Accessed March 3, at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=323
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 8, .
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Sodium tripolyphosphate, STPP, is a chemical often used to soak seafood so that it will appear more firm and glossy. It is also known as pentasodium salt or triphosphoric acid. STPP is also an ingredient in detergents and soaps. Most gel, liquid, tablet, and powder forms of both laundry and dishwasher detergent contain STPP. As a food, it is generally regarded as safe, but large ingested amounts of the product can be toxic.
List of medications using Sodium Tripolyphosphate
References
- FDA. Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews. Sodium tripolyphosphate. Accessed March 3, at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=323
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
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