E341(ⅲ) TCP Tricalcium Phosphate Powder Food Additive

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP), a commonly used food additive, is typically employed to enhance the texture, stability, and nutritional value of food products. Below are the introduction and applications of TCP:

1. Texture Improvement: TCP serves as an anticaking agent, aiding in preventing food clumping during storage and transportation. This ensures greater stability in maintaining the quality and texture of food products.

2. Calcium Enrichment: Serving as a source of calcium, TCP is utilized to augment the calcium content of food items. Calcium is an essential nutrient crucial for maintaining bone health and other physiological functions.

3. Acidity Regulation: Given its phosphoric acid nature, TCP can be employed to regulate the acidity of food, contributing to the maintenance of stability and palatability.

4. Nutrient Fortification: In addition to providing calcium, TCP also serves as a source of phosphorus, a vital nutrient necessary for bone health and cellular function maintenance.

5. Application in Bread and Bakery Products: In bread and other bakery products, TCP is commonly utilized as a flour improver, aiding in enhancing the elasticity and extensibility of dough.

It's important to note that the usage of food additives must comply with relevant regulations and standards to ensure safety and suitability.

Q1: E341(ⅲ) What is Tricalcium Phosphate?

A1: E341(ⅲ) Tricalcium Phosphate, also known as tricalcium phosphate, is a food additive with the chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is a type of phosphate compound that is widely used in the food industry as an acidity regulator, anti-caking agent and mineral supplement.

Tricalcium phosphate usually exists in the form of colorless crystals or white powder, tasteless and odorless, soluble in dilute acid and dilute hydrochloric acid, and insoluble in water and ethanol.

In food processing, tricalcium phosphate is often used in products such as bread, dough, flour, seasonings, cheese, jelly, biscuits, nutritional supplements and baby food to increase calcium content, adjust acidity, prevent caking, etc.

Q2: E341(ⅲ) What is the use of Tricalcium Phosphate?

A2: E341(ⅲ) Tricalcium Phosphate has many uses in the food industry, mainly including the following aspects:

• Acidity regulator: Tricalcium phosphate can adjust the pH of food, stabilize the acid-base balance of food, and improve the taste and flavor of food.

• Anti-caking agent: Tricalcium phosphate can prevent powdery substances in food from clumping and keep the food loose and even.

• Mineral supplements: Tricalcium phosphate is an important source of calcium and can increase the calcium content of foods to meet the body's calcium needs.

• Thickener: Tricalcium phosphate can increase the viscosity and mouthfeel of food, and improve the texture and taste of food.

• Moisturizer: Tricalcium phosphate has good moisturizing properties, which can prevent food from drying and deteriorating and extend the shelf life of food.

• Antioxidant: Tricalcium phosphate can react with oxygen in food to act as an antioxidant and delay the oxidation and deterioration of food.

• Stabilizer: Tricalcium phosphate can increase the stability of food and prevent food from deterioration and quality loss during processing, storage and transportation.