Food additive E 450. E450 – Diphosphates, pyrophosphates. Composition and purpose

The food industry of the 21st century is a high-tech mass production. Countless number of conveyors produce huge batches every second food products.

Since most giant factories are located at a considerable distance from most of their consumers, they resort to the use of preservatives.

What are the harmful food additives?

Main harmful additives, which are included in food products, can be:

a preservative that ensures a long shelf life;
a dye that gives a brighter color to the product (sometimes even acidic);
a thickener that gives the product viscosity and a pleasant consistency;
a taste enhancer, which contributes to the development of human addiction to the product;
flavoring, thanks to which you can smell it even through the box.

Classification of harmful food additives

Most of the additives that have a harmful effect on the human body are included in the generally known classification of food additives in the European Union. The difference between this classification is the presence of a unique code for each food additive, and all codes begin with the letter “E” (European Union/Europe).

5 most dangerous additives

The following 5 additives are not only the most harmful food additives, but also prohibited in the Russian Federation:

E121 is a dye that can be written in the composition as “citrus red” or “citrus red” (dangerous because it causes cancer);
E123 is also a dye, better known as “red amaranth” or “amaranth” (the additive causes cancer, allergic reactions, has nothing to do with the Amaranth plant - a completely synthetic additive);
E128 is a dye “red 2G” or “red 2G” (causes multiple allergic reactions);
E173 is “aluminum” or “aluminum” (causes liver disease);
E240 is the preservative “formaldehyde” (a carcinogen that causes cancer).

What we eat

Some additives, although used in the food industry, are necessarily limited in the content of products. They can be found on store shelves - these are E 250 and E 450. If they are found in products that are familiar to you, put them back on the counter.

For example, is E 250 a food additive harmful or not? In order to understand, you need to know that this additive is “sodium nitrite” or “sodium nitrite”. The additive is used to destroy harmful botulism bacteria that can appear in smoked sausages, and also as an antioxidant.

The danger of consumption is associated with the possible development of cancer, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system, but since these smoked products are rarely eaten, it is considered acceptable to use them.

When the question arises: “is e 450 a food additive harmful or not?” We can safely say that it is harmful, because E 450 is a whole group of pyrophosphates, which can be designated by a number of different names. For people, especially children, this supplement is very dangerous, as it disrupts the phosphorus and calcium balance in the body and contributes to the development of gastrointestinal diseases.

It is difficult to find a product that does not contain the food additive E 450. Appetizing pieces of sausage without fatty streaks, elastic cheese, soft confectionery fondant - all this gastronomic splendor is created using synthetic substances based on pyrophosphoric acid.

The additive has antimicrobial activity. This does not make it safe for human health.

The product's name

In 2014 it was put into effect GOST R 55054-2012, indicating the name of the food additive - pyrophosphates E 450, as well as technical specifications its application in the food industry.

The index “E” denotes the product code in the European classification system.

International synonym - Pyrophosphates (or Diphosphates).

The product combines several substances similar in structure and technological functions:

2-substituted sodium pyrophosphate (E 450i), synonyms: disodium pyrophosphate, sodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate (international name Disodium diphosphate); formula Na2H2P2O7;
3-substituted sodium pyrophosphate (ii), synonyms: trisodium pyrophosphate, sodium monohydropyrophosphate, (Trisodium diphosphate), formula Na3HP2O7;
4-substituted sodium pyrophosphate (iii), synonyms: tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, (Tetrasodium diphosphate); formula Na4P2O7;
2-substituted potassium pyrophosphate (iv), synonyms: dipotassium pyrophosphate, potassium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, (Dipotassium diphosphate); formula K2P2O7;
4-substituted potassium pyrophosphate (v), synonyms: tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium diphosphate, (Tetrapotassium diphosphate); formula K4P2O7;
2-substituted calcium pyrophosphate (vii), synonyms: dicalcium pyrophosphate, calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, dicalcium pyrophosphate, (Dicalcium diphosphate), formula CaH2P2O7;
4-substituted calcium pyrophosphate (vi), synonyms: calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, (Calcium dihydrogen diphosphate), formula Ca2P2O7.

IN German The product is designated as Dinatriumdihydrogendiphosphate, in French - diphosphate de disodium.

Type of substance

Additive E 450 is sodium, potassium and calcium salts of pyrophosphoric acid. Pyrophosphates, according to their main technological function, belong to the group of emulsifiers. In practice, the additive is used as a leavening agent, moisture-retaining agent, and acidity regulator.

For the production of food pyrophosphates, orthophosphoric acid (GOST 10678, grade A), sodium and potassium hydroxides, calcium oxide and hydroxide are used.

The product is obtained by dehydration of hydrogen orthophosphate with the appropriate acid.

Properties

Package

Food pyrophosphates are packaged in bags made of polyethylene film (thickness from 0.08 mm). To ensure tightness, the bags are welded, less often tied with twine made from natural fibers.

The outer containers are:

three-layer paper bags;
grocery bags made of synthetic threads;
cardboard or plastic drums.

Application

Pyrophosphates are mainly used in the production of household chemicals: the substances are part of most antibacterial detergents.

In food production I use mainly sodium pyrophosphates. The leading consumers of the additive are the meat and fish processing industries. The substance is necessary for the production of minced meat (the permitted rate is no more than 0.3% of the total mass), canned food, and sausages. It is added during the heat treatment of the product to swell proteins. This helps retain moisture, improve structure, increase juiciness and increase the yield of the finished product. Pyrophosphates can play the role of antioxidants, as they slow down the oxidative processes of fats and extend shelf life.

Depending on the technological task, the E 450 additive can be:

emulsifying salt in the production of young and processed cheeses (9 g/kg) to prevent emulsion separation and product wrinkling;
moisture-retaining agent (3 g/kg) in confectionery flour and sugar products, concentrated syrups: maintains the desired consistency, prevents drying out, slows down the crystallization of sucrose;
texturizer in plant-based cream, sandwich spreads, dairy desserts, sauces, batter to obtain a homogenized mass (up to 5 g/kg); dry mixtures and concentrates, milk, baking and egg powders (up to 10g/kg);
acidity regulator in soft drinks (artificially mineralized, flavored), fruit products, dry teas (including herbal), berry ice cream;
flour improver in pasta and bread products to improve the structure of the dough;
turbidity stabilizer in chocolate and barley milk drinks to prevent particle sedimentation and liquid separation.

Additive E 450 is included in the process of producing frozen potatoes: the additive protects the product from darkening and helps preserve the structure during the cooking process.

Pyrophosphates as an emulsifier are included in the composition protein shakes For sports nutrition(20 g/kg).

In the Codex Alimentarius, the additive is allowed in the standards for meat and fish products, processed cheeses, dry broths, frozen vegetables (from 1 to 9 g/kg).

Pyrophosphates with a permissible limit (70 mg/kg) are approved for use in all countries.

The cosmetics industry uses the food additive E 450 as a buffer substance. Typically included in toothpastes to prevent plaque formation.

Benefits and harms

The synthetic additive does not have a beneficial effect on human health.

Independent experts (Kedr group) classify pyrophosphates as substances that provoke the development of cancer.

Official structures recognize the E 450 additive as safe (4 class according to GOST 12.1.007), but emphasize the need to comply with the permissible norm.

The advice is good, but it’s difficult to follow: on the packages the percentage of added chemical substances not indicated. The consumer can only rely on the integrity of the manufacturers.

High concentrations of pyrophosphates can cause a number of negative consequences:

disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
joint diseases (for example, pyrophosphate arthropathy, caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the tissues);
imbalance of macro- and microelements, which leads to the development of osteoporosis and other ailments;
An increase in the level of LDL cholesterol (“bad”), this can cause the formation of vascular plaques, disrupt blood supply, and provoke a stroke.

Included cosmetics the addition of E 450 can cause an allergic rash and irritation of the mucous membranes.

Food supplement

is a preservative of synthetic origin.

Tragacanth is used as a thickener. You can read more about this dietary supplement in our article.

Is it safe to take sodium lactate? Find out about it here.

Main manufacturers

The world leader in the production of pyrophosphates is the Belgian company Prayon S.A.

Food additive E 450 is produced by:

JSC "REATEX", created on the basis of the pilot plant named after. L. A. Kostandova (Moscow);
Nord Plas company, part of the NORD group (St. Petersburg);
Gebex 24 Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschraenkt), Germany;
Langfang Huinuo Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., China.

Food pyrophosphates are not as harmless as they seem at first glance. It is important to prevent their accumulation in the body. To do this, it is enough to exclude sausages, low-calorie fats and broth concentrates from the daily diet.

Many enterprises use food additives in the production of food products. And this is not without reason. They allow you to preserve the presentation for a long time, enhance the aroma, and give more saturated color, improve some product quality.

Food additive E 450: what is it?

This additive is classified as a stabilizer. Substances of this type are inorganic compounds that allow the structure of the product to be preserved for a long time. When stabilizers are used, products remain fresh and ready to eat for more than one week. At the same time, the products do not become viscous and slimy over time. They last longer on store shelves.

This component is obtained by oxidizing a solution of sodium pyrophosphate. The process is carried out using hydrochloric acid. As a result of oxidation, liquid is removed from the solution. At the same time, the resulting substance retains moisture well. Food additive E 450 is found in most food products.

Areas of use

E 450 additives are used in the production of many products. In the food industry, this substance is added to canned meat, cheese and dairy products, some confectionery products, juices and minced meat.

The properties of this component allow it to be used as an antioxidant and degreasing agent. Therefore, pyrophosphate E 450 is often used in the production of household chemicals and preparations intended to kill harmful insects. This substance prevents the combustion of combustible building materials. E 450 is used in the production of anti-corrosion compounds and various paints.

Features of the substance

Is food additive E 450 dangerous or not? If we consider the substance from a chemical point of view, then these are esters, as well as salts of pyrophosphoric acid. The component is designated by the following formula: H4P2O7.

Similar substances are used as stabilizers. In addition, pyrophosphates can be used as moisture retainers, disintegrants, complexing agents, emulsifiers, and acidity regulators. Under a microscope, the E 450 additive looks like a powder with a crystalline structure or white granules.

In the meat processing industry, pyrophosphate is used to increase the volume of muscle fibers. Because of this, the mass finished products getting bigger. Additive E 450 is added to all semi-finished meat products. This is not prohibited according to GOST R55054-2012.

What is it used for?

In addition to increasing the mass of muscle fibers, the food additive E 450 is used in industry for:

imparting uniform color to products;
improving consistency;
freezing natural oxidative processes;
increasing the shelf life of food products;
improving the taste properties of products.

These qualities of the supplement explain its popularity. E 450 has special chemical properties. Potassium and sodium pyrophosphates bind various elements together, forming a single consistency. In addition, the substances are able to suppress the growth of bacteria, as well as keep food fresh for a long period.

Is it dangerous?

Pyrophosphates are on the list of permitted food additives in Russia and Ukraine, as well as in some EU countries. An exception is dimagnesium pyrophosphate: E 450 VIII. In European countries this substance has not been used for a long time. However, it is not prohibited in our country. All salts and esters of pyrophosphoric acid have a third degree of harmfulness. This suggests that the substances can cause harm to the body.

Taking E 450 supplement in small quantities may not cause damage. However, each person's reaction is individual. Pyrophosphates can lead to the development of allergic reactions, poor digestion, increased blood pressure, and can also reduce the level of digestibility useful components from food.

Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming products that contain such a stabilizer.

Imbalance of calcium and fluoride

Is food additive E 450 harmful? This compound is prohibited in the food industry of the USA and the European Union. However, in Russia this preservative is actively used. The E 450 marking can be found on almost every food package. Regular use of such a substance can negatively affect human health.

First of all, this is manifested by an imbalance of calcium and fluoride. Because of this, serious diseases develop. An excess of fluoride leads to problems with calcium absorption. The concentration of one substance in the blood is constantly increasing, and the second is decreasing. Calcium is simply washed out of the body. This leads to the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The most common condition is osteoporosis. With this disease, the bones lose stability and strength and become fragile. Therapy for the disease consists of following a strict diet and nutritional rules. An increased intake of calcium and vitamin D is recommended.

This imbalance affects the cardiovascular system. A lack of calcium causes the heart muscle to relax and contract rhythmically. In addition, the substance is necessary for the formation of insulin.

Formation of cholesterol plaques

The negative impact of the food additive E 450 on the body has been proven for a long time. Constant consumption of products that contain this stabilizer causes the formation of cholesterol plaques in the lumens of blood vessels. Recently, studies have been conducted that have proven that pyrophosphates are carcinogenic. In other words, such additives cause the development of malignant tumors.

Which products are most often found in?

To reduce your intake of E 450, you need to know which foods most often contain it. In the meat industry it is added to many semi-finished products. These are sausages, sausages, a variety of dumplings, sausages, minced meat and all kinds of delicacy cuts.

The dairy industry cannot do without this additive. She is very popular here. E 450 can be found in some dairy products, as well as processed cheeses. This component is often found in cheap, low-quality cottage cheese.

Unfortunately, many bakery product manufacturers have begun to add pyrophosphates to their products. This allows you to make the product heavier, while reducing the consumption of flour and other baking components. Therefore, you should not be surprised if the bread does not go stale for a whole week.

The food additive E 450 is added to many popular and common food products: fruit and chocolate ice cream, quick-frozen potatoes, carbonated drinks, liqueurs, crab sticks, butter, dry cereal, herbal teas, soups and broths instant cooking, sweet buns, syrups and so on.

How to avoid problems

It is difficult to even imagine the food industry without the E 450 stabilizer. After all, consumers want to see products on store shelves that have a sufficient shelf life. After all, this allows you to stock up for future use.

Despite its widespread use, stabilizer E 450 remains a dangerous additive. Excessive consumption of it threatens the occurrence of many serious diseases, which are very difficult to cure. To reduce health risks, it is recommended to reduce the amount of processed meats in your diet. It is better to eat natural poultry, beef and pork.

It is also not recommended to frequently purchase processed and sausage cheeses. As for bakery products, it is better to buy them from trusted manufacturers who do not add chemical components to their products.

Modern food products almost always contain some additives, degree of harm to health which often remains a mystery to most consumers.

Manufacturers carefully conceal the truth about the components, included in the products they produce, and only a thorough approach to the issue will help to get to the bottom of the truth.

TO the most common food additives include potassium and sodium pyrophosphates, which today are widely used in the food industry, especially in meat processing.

On the labels they are marked E-450. Next, we will try to figure out what this supplement is, its effect on the body, and in what quantities it is acceptable for use with no health risks.

What is it for?

From a chemical point of view, pyrophosphates are salts and esters of pyrophosphoric acid, denoted by the formula H4P2O7. They are in products are used as a stabilizer (most often), as well as a leavening agent, moisture retainer, acidity regulator, emulsifier and complexing agent. E-450 looks crystalline under a microscope powder, or white granulates.

The main function of E-450 pyrophosphates in the meat processing industry is increasing the volume of muscle fibers, which helps to increase the mass of the finished product. This substance is added to semi-finished meat products everywhere, since it officially allowed according to GOST R55054-2012.

In addition to increasing the mass of meat products, salts and esters of pyrophosphoric acid used in production for the following purposes:

imparting uniformity blossom product;
improvement consistency;
inhibition of natural oxidative processes;
extension shelf life of products and preservation of taste properties.

It is not surprising that the E-450 additive is so popular in food production, because the advantages it provides lie in its special chemical properties. Thus, sodium and potassium pyrophosphates easily bind dissimilar elements together, forming a single consistency, and contribute to suppression of bacterial growth and perfectly keep the product fresh for quite a long period.

Obviously, in moderation without E-450

you just can't get by, otherwise the products would not look as presentable as on the shelves of modern

shops

And they would spoil almost instantly.

By the way, except in the food industry, pyrophosphates E-450 used in the manufacture detergents, insect and pest repellents, due to their properties to prevent the activity of microorganisms.

These substances are also added to paints and drilling compounds as an auxiliary element to prevent the occurrence of corrosion. But there are also pitfalls here, which we will return to a little later.

Classification of pyrophosphates

Product production totals 8 types of pyrophosphates, each of which is designated by a Roman numeral from I to VIII, which is indicated next to the code E-450. List of varieties food pyrophosphates looks like this:

disodium;
trisodium;
tetrasodium;
dipotassium;
tetrapotassium;
dicalcium;
calcium;
dimagnesium

How does the body react?

Pyrophosphates are included in the list permitted food additives in the EU countries, Russia and Ukraine. Exception - dimagnesium pyrophosphate(E-450 VIII): it has not been used in Europe for a long time, but has not yet been banned in our country. All salts and esters of pyrophosphoric acid have third degree of harm. That is, we can conclude that they are far away not safe for the body.

IN small dosages E-450 does not cause damage to health, but on the other hand, the reaction of each individual human body May be unpredictable. It has been proven in theory and practice that this substance capable of provoking allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, worsen digestion and significantly reduce the level of absorption of nutrients from food.

Regular use of E-450, even in minimal quantities, entails decreased absorption of calcium and phosphorus. And this, in turn, is fraught with calcium deposition in the kidneys and the formation of stones, bone fragility and dental problems.

According to the latest medical research pyrophosphates may increase risk the appearance of cancerous tumors and destabilize the balance of two types of cholesterol in the body. Of course, we have now only considered edge cases with the most unfavorable outcome.

But this does not cancel the rule to comply caution when purchasing and consuming products, and carefully study labels. Maximum permissible rate consumption of E-450 is 70 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

Where are they kept?

Record holders for content salts of pyrophosphoric acid are meat products and semi-finished products: sausages, sausages, minced meat, dumplings, carbonated meat, a variety of deli meat cuts.

The preparation of processed cheeses and some dairy products cannot be done without pyrophosphates.

Especially often you can see the inscription “E-450” on cheap, low-quality cottage cheese.

IN Lately manufacturers began to sin because they began to add pyrophosphates to bread in order to “weight” it, using less flour and other baking ingredients. Therefore, it is no longer surprising why the bread of some companies doesn't go stale for a whole week.

Pyrophosphoric acid salts are present in minute quantities in almost all widespread and in demand food products: in carbonated drinks, quick-frozen potatoes, chocolate and fruit ice cream, crab sticks, alcoholic beverages, milkshakes, dry cereals, young cheeses, salted butter, herbal teas, broth and soup concentrates, syrups, sweet rolls, and also in some others.

Basically, without pyrophosphates E-450 It’s hard to imagine the entire modern food industry. Consumer wants to see in stores attractive products and with a sufficient shelf life so that you can stock up on them for future use.

To avoid the appearance unjustified health risks associated with abuse of the E-450 additive, it is recommended to reduce the amount of processed meat products consumed and give preference to natural meat or poultry.

Not worth it buy too often processed cheeses (including sausage), and buy bakery products only from time-tested manufacturers.

Almost all modern food products contain a wide variety of additives. Very often, or even almost always, the consumer is not aware of the harm that certain stabilizers and food additives can cause. The truth about the components that are included in the finished product is carefully hidden by manufacturers. In this article, we will consider in more detail what pyrophosphates are, what their scope of use is and their negative qualities.

What is a stabilizer?

The food industry uses various additives to achieve a special color of products, aroma and special qualities that will help maintain their presentation.

A stabilizer is a type of inorganic compound that is actively used by manufacturers to preserve the structure of the product for a long period of time. With the help of such substances, the product looks ready for use for a long time. It does not form mucus and does not look sticky. Therefore, the shelf life of the product increases.

What is pyrophosphate?

Pyrophosphate is an ester or salt of pyrophosphoric acid. Types of pyrophosphates and a table of food additives will be discussed below.

With the help of food phosphates, the color is stabilized and the consistency of the product is improved, and oxidative processes are slowed down. They have bactericidal and antioxidant effects. They are actively used for preserving meat and can be included in dairy products.

The formula of pyrophosphates is: P2O7. Their frequent use can upset the balance between calcium and phosphorus. As a result, calcium will be less absorbed and will begin to be deposited in the kidneys. This process will lead to the development of osteoporosis in the body. If your diet contains a lot of phosphorus, then you need to be especially careful when consuming foods with phosphates.

Classification of pyrophosphates

There are 8 types of pyrophosphates in all food production. Each is designated by a Roman numeral. This index is written next to the name of the additive E 450. This additive is the most famous among all those used in the production of products. Let's look at the types of pyrophosphates in the table.

E450 (pyrophosphates): description

So, we learned what a stabilizer and pyrophosphates are and looked at their types. Now let's take a closer look at other nutritional supplements. The most famous of them is sodium and potassium pyrophosphate. The food industry is very active in using this additive, and the meat processing industry has been especially successful in this. Consumers have seen it on product labels, but many have no idea about its properties and how much it can be consumed so as not to expose themselves to risk.

Sodium pyrophosphate must be oxidized to obtain this well-known additive. Hydrochloric acid in this case is used as an oxidizing agent. This reaction removes water from the solution, and the resulting compound retains moisture well. In this way, the well-known stabilizer E 450 is obtained. It is contained in canned meat, dairy products, juices, minced meat, and confectionery products.

In addition to cooking, this additive is found in detergents, insect repellents, and various paints.

What is this stabilizer used for?

Most often, this stabilizer is used in the food industry as a leavening agent, moisture retainer, and acidity regulator. E 450 can be viewed under a microscope. There it appears as a crystalline powder or white granules.

This additive is legal, so almost all manufacturers use it. The main function is to increase the volume and weight of the product. Therefore, its use is very beneficial for manufacturers.

But besides this main function, the E 450 has other purposes:

Makes the color uniform.
Improves consistency.
Stops natural acid processes.
Extends shelf life.
Preserves taste.

Potassium and sodium pyrophosphates can form a homogeneous consistency, so the product remains fresh for more long time and has a pleasant appearance.

Body reaction

Ukraine, Russia, and EU countries consider pyrophosphates as permitted additives. The exception is the eighth type (dimagnesium pyrophosphate). It has already been banned in the EU, but in Russia it is allowed. E 450 have a third hazard class, so they cannot be called safe for the body.

It is believed that small dosages of this dietary supplement are completely harmless. But each organism is individual, and the reaction to the same amount of substance is also different. It has been proven that this food additive increases blood pressure, allergic reactions may occur, digestion worsens and the level of absorption of essential substances from food decreases.

If you regularly use E 450 (even in the smallest doses), then sooner or later calcium and phosphorus will begin to be poorly absorbed. Calcium will be deposited in the kidneys, stones will form, bone tissue will become fragile and dental problems are possible.

You should be very careful when choosing products in stores; it is better to avoid pyrophosphate E 450 in food. Scientists and doctors have calculated the maximum amount of this supplement that can be consumed - 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

E 450: harm and negative impact

Several options have been discussed above negative impacts on the human body. But this is not the entire list of shortcomings. Let's look at them in more detail. The occurrence of an imbalance between phosphorus and calcium was discussed above. There is more phosphorus in the body, and less calcium. In addition to the formation of kidney stones, problems with the musculoskeletal system arise. Treatment of osteoporosis is a very long and labor-intensive process. It will be necessary to eat right, follow a diet, consume vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium to be better absorbed, and also engage in regular exercise.

But the musculoskeletal system is not the only part of the body that will suffer from the effect of the E 450 stabilizer. The cardiovascular system will also fully feel the effects Negative influence this dietary supplement. Calcium is necessary for the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. If it is deficient, the heart will wear out faster. It should also be noted that calcium is needed to produce insulin. Therefore, when there is not enough of it, the risk of developing diabetes increases.

If this supplement is constantly present in your diet, then cholesterol plaques may appear in the lumens of blood vessels. Recently, scientists conducted a study, the results of which shocked them. E450 is a carcinogenic substance, so its use increases the risk of developing malignant tumors significantly.

Where is stabilizer E 450 found?

To avoid this dietary supplement if possible, you need to know where it is found and in what quantities. Most sodium pyrophosphate salts are found in meat products and semi-finished products: sausages, meat, dumplings, sausages, and various deli cuts.

Processed cheeses and dairy products also contain huge amounts of pyrophosphates. Especially cheap cottage cheese and other fermented milk products.

Some manufacturers add E 450 to bread. Thanks to this nutritional supplement, it becomes heavier. Thus, less flour, sugar and other elements are used. Such products are very easy to identify, although, as a rule, this is possible after purchase. This bread can be stored for a very long time and may not go stale for a whole week.

Pyrophosphate E 450 is found in almost all popular products, such as carbonated drinks, ice cream, crab sticks, frozen potatoes, liquor, dry cereals, tea, syrups, muffins and much more.

In the modern food industry it is difficult to do without this stabilizer, because a pleasant appearance and a sufficient shelf life are the most important criteria that the consumer pays attention to.

In order not to risk your health and reduce your consumption of pyrophosphates, it is better not to buy semi-finished meat products, but try to choose natural meat. Dairy products and bakery products must be purchased from trusted sellers.

Conclusion

In the article, we looked at the food stabilizer E 450, known to many people. Despite the fact that it is approved in many countries, its use can cause irreparable harm to your health. Therefore, you should be extremely careful and attentive when choosing food products.

In the modern food industry, many additives are used that give products color, aroma and certain qualities necessary to preserve their presentation.

Stabilizers are inorganic compounds that help manufacturers maintain the structure of a product for a long time. By using these substances, products can be stored in a ready-to-use form for longer. The product does not become more slimy and viscous over time, so it can stay on the store shelf longer.

This additive is obtained by oxidizing a solution of sodium pyrophosphate. Hydrochloric acid is used as an oxidizing agent. As a result of this reaction, water is removed from the solution, and the resulting compound is able to retain moisture. Stabilizer E450 can be found in canned meat, some dairy and cheese products, minced meat, juices, and confectionery.

The properties of the stabilizer allow it to be used as a disinfectant and antioxidant.

Pyrophosphate E450 is found in many detergents, insect killers, and fire retardants for flammable materials. It is used to produce various paints and anti-corrosion compounds.

Effects of E450 on the body

The use of this compound in the food industry of the European Union and the United States has long been prohibited. In Russia, no one has introduced a ban on this preservative. Therefore, the E450 label can be seen on every second package of products offered in our markets.

However, regular use of this drug causes serious disturbances in the functioning of the human body. First of all, scientists note a serious imbalance of fluoride and calcium in the results of examinations of people who often eat foods containing E450 pyrophosphate. Exceeding the permissible amount of fluoride in the body leads to difficulties in the absorption of calcium. As a result, the concentration of fluoride in the blood increases, and unabsorbed calcium is washed out of the body.

The lack of this mineral causes the appearance and development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The main one is osteoporosis. This diagnosis is given to people whose bones become brittle and lose their strength and stability. Treatment of this disease is labor-intensive and difficult. The doctor's main appointments will be: proper nutrition, strict diet, increased intake of vitamin D and calcium and general strengthening exercise.

Lack of calcium affects not only bone, but also cardiovascular system. Thanks to this substance, rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle occurs. Calcium is also necessary for the formation of insulin.

Constant consumption of foods containing E450 affects the appearance of cholesterol plaques in the lumen of blood vessels. Recent Research have proven that the E450 stabilizer is a carcinogenic substance, that is, it contributes to the development of malignant tumors.

The additive has antimicrobial activity. This does not make it safe for human health.

In 2014 it was put into effect GOST R 55054-2012, indicating the name - pyrophosphates E 450, as well as the technical conditions for its use in the food industry.

The index “E” denotes the product code in the European classification system.

International synonym - Pyrophosphates (or Diphosphates).

The product combines several substances similar in structure and technological functions:

2-substituted sodium pyrophosphate (E 450i), synonyms: disodium pyrophosphate, sodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate (international name Disodium diphosphate); formula Na 2 H 2 P 2 O 7;
3-substituted sodium pyrophosphate (ii), synonyms: trisodium pyrophosphate, sodium monohydropyrophosphate, (Trisodium diphosphate), formula Na 3 HP 2 O 7;
4-substituted sodium pyrophosphate (iii), synonyms: tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, (Tetrasodium diphosphate); formula Na 4 P 2 O 7;
2-substituted potassium pyrophosphate (iv), synonyms: dipotassium pyrophosphate, potassium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, (Dipotassium diphosphate); formula K 2 P 2 O 7;
4-substituted potassium pyrophosphate (v), synonyms: tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium diphosphate, (Tetrapotassium diphosphate); formula K 4 P 2 O 7;
2-substituted calcium pyrophosphate (vii), synonyms: dicalcium pyrophosphate, calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, dicalcium pyrophosphate, (Dicalcium diphosphate), formula CaH 2 P 2 O 7;
4-substituted calcium pyrophosphate (vi), synonyms: calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, (Calcium dihydrogen diphosphate), formula Ca 2 P 2 O 7.

In German the product is designated as Dinatriumdihydrogendiphosphat, in French - diphosphate de disodium.

Type of substance

Additive E 450 is sodium, potassium and calcium salts of pyrophosphoric acid. Pyrophosphates are included in the group according to their main technological function. In practice, the additive is used as a leavening agent, moisture-retaining agent, and acidity regulator.

For the production of food pyrophosphates, sodium and potassium hydroxides, calcium oxide and hydroxide are used (GOST 10678, grade A).

The product is obtained by dehydration of hydrogen orthophosphate with the appropriate acid.

Properties

Index	Standard values
Color	colorless or white
Compound	pyrophosphoric acid, salts
Appearance	granules, crystalline powder of fine or medium fraction
Smell	absent
Solubility	sodium and potassium pyrophosphates are highly soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol; Calcium pyrophosphates are insoluble in water, good solubility in hydrochloric and nitric acids
Main substance content	90–95% (after drying); phosphorus oxide content (P2O5) from 42 to 64.5%
Taste	sourish
Density	not determined
Other	pH 3.7–4.4 (1% solution)

Package

Food pyrophosphates are packaged in bags made of polyethylene film (thickness from 0.08 mm). To ensure tightness, the bags are welded, less often tied with twine made from natural fibers.

The outer containers are:

three-layer paper bags;
grocery bags made of synthetic threads;
cardboard or plastic drums.

Application

Pyrophosphates are mainly used in the production of household chemicals: the substances are part of most antibacterial detergents.

In food production I use mainly sodium pyrophosphates. The leading consumers of the additive are the meat and fish processing industries. The substance is necessary for the production of minced meat (the permitted rate is no more than 0.3% of the total mass), canned food, and sausages. It is added during the heat treatment of the product to swell proteins. This helps retain moisture, improve structure, increase juiciness and increase the yield of the finished product. Pyrophosphates can play a role as they slow down the oxidative processes of fats and extend shelf life.

Depending on the technological task, the E 450 additive can be:

emulsifying salt in the production of young and processed cheeses (9 g/kg) to prevent emulsion separation and product wrinkling;
moisture-retaining agent (3 g/kg) in confectionery flour and sugar products, concentrated syrups: maintains the desired consistency, prevents drying out, slows down the crystallization of sucrose;
texturizer in plant-based cream, sandwich spreads, dairy desserts, sauces, batter to obtain a homogenized mass (up to 5 g/kg); dry mixtures and concentrates, milk, baking and egg powders (up to 10g/kg);
acidity regulator in soft drinks (artificially mineralized, flavored), fruit products, dry teas (including herbal), berry ice cream;
flour improver in pasta and bread products to improve the structure of the dough;
turbidity stabilizer in chocolate and barley milk drinks to prevent particle sedimentation and liquid separation.

Additive E 450 is included in the process of producing frozen potatoes: the additive protects the product from darkening and helps preserve the structure during the cooking process.

Pyrophosphates as an emulsifier are included in protein shakes for sports nutrition (20 g/kg).

In the Codex Alimentarius, the additive is allowed in the standards for meat and fish products, processed cheeses, dry broths, frozen vegetables (from 1 to 9 g/kg).

Pyrophosphates with a permissible limit (70 mg/kg) are approved for use in all countries.

The cosmetics industry uses the food additive E 450 as a buffer substance. Typically included in toothpastes to prevent plaque formation.

Benefits and harms

The synthetic additive does not have a beneficial effect on human health.

Independent experts (Kedr group) classify pyrophosphates as substances that provoke the development of cancer.

Official structures recognize the E 450 additive as safe (4 class according to GOST 12.1.007), but emphasize the need to comply with the permissible norm.

The advice is good, but it is difficult to follow: the percentage of chemicals added is not indicated on the packaging. The consumer can only rely on the integrity of the manufacturers.

High concentrations of pyrophosphates can cause a number of negative consequences:

disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
joint diseases (for example, pyrophosphate arthropathy, caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the tissues);
imbalance of macro- and microelements, which leads to the development of osteoporosis and other ailments;
An increase in the level of LDL cholesterol (“bad”), this can cause the formation of vascular plaques, disrupt blood supply, and provoke a stroke.

When used in cosmetics, the additive E 450 can cause an allergic rash and irritation of the mucous membranes.

Main manufacturers

The world leader in the production of pyrophosphates is the Belgian company Prayon S.A.

Food additive E 450 is produced by:

JSC "REATEX", created on the basis of the pilot plant named after. L. A. Kostandova (Moscow);
Nord Plas company, part of the NORD group (St. Petersburg);
Gebex 24 Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschraenkt), Germany;
Langfang Huinuo Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., China.

A lot has already been said about the dangers of meat, as well as various meat products, and even more will be said. Legends can be made about how cynical and cruel the meat processing industry is. Meat producers do not value not only the lives of animals, but even their consumers. The manipulations that manufacturers carry out with meat, as they say, are not for the faint of heart. We have already heard about how animals are pumped with hormones, fed with various additives so that they grow by leaps and bounds, injected with antibiotics so that microbes don’t even have the crazy idea of getting into the body, thoroughly saturated with poisons. However, they prefer to keep silent about how meat producers artificially increase the volume of finished products. The food additive E450 is one of the trump cards of meat producers, which allows one and a half or even two times to increase the volume and weight of meat products.

Food additive E450: what is it?

The food additive E450 is pyrophosphates, an indispensable item for manufacturers. This additive performs many functions: it acts as a stabilizer, emulsifier, synergist for antioxidants, acidity regulator, moisture retainer, color fixative, preservative, leavening agent, complexing agent. Not every one of us has such a rich imagination to imagine what kind of transformations with products are carried out using these functions. But the fact that products made with the use of pyrophosphates are far from the most natural and beneficial becomes quite obvious.

As mentioned above, pyrophosphates are widely used in the meat processing industry. Due to their properties of binding and retaining moisture, they allow the meat to swell, increasing its volume and weight by one and a half to two times. What's actually happening? The body of all living things is composed primarily of water, and cells have the ability to store and release water. And meat is the same cells, only dead. But it is quite possible to saturate them with additional water. And it is precisely this function that pyrophosphates perform. After treatment with pyrophosphates, the animal’s flesh cells are saturated with moisture as much as possible, the meat increases in weight and volume and in this form is sent for sale, where a naive buyer not only buys a product harmful to his health, but also overpays for water at the price of the meat itself. Cleverly invented, isn't it?

In addition to this application, pyrophosphates also have a number of bonuses for manufacturers. They not only increase the weight and volume of meat, but also improve its appearance and inhibit the processes of rotting and protein breakdown, which are quite natural for dead flesh. E450 is used as a melting salt in the production of processed cheeses - a wild chemical mixture that for some reason is considered a food product - as well as canned meat. The food additive E450 performs various functions in the production of dairy products.

E450: effect on the body

Since the food additive E450 is found mainly in meat products, their consumption is already harmful. However, this supplement itself is harmful to the body. When consumed regularly, or even irregularly, it causes irritation of the gastric mucosa and disruption of its functions, and also actively removes such valuable elements as calcium and phosphorus from the body. Moreover, in the long term, the body's absorption of these minerals is impaired and they begin to be deposited in the kidneys, which leads to the development of osteoporosis. In addition, pyrophosphates increase the cholesterol content in the blood plasma and have a carcinogenic effect on the body.

Despite the fact that the E450 food additive is harmful to the body, it is approved in most countries of the world. However, nothing surprising. The entire meat industry actually relies on the use of pyrophosphates, and the income of meat corporations is comparable only to the income of the drug business. And simply no one will allow such a global system of making a profit on people’s health to be destroyed. Therefore, in this case, saving drowning people is the work of the drowning people themselves, and awareness should be exercised when choosing products. To avoid consuming pyrophosphates, it is enough to exclude meat and dairy products from your diet. At least store-bought milk. Otherwise, pleasant and favorite tastes can be very expensive: from a deficiency of phosphorus and calcium in the body to more serious problems with health. And the alternative harmful products always is. Moreover, think that by buying meat with pyrophosphates, you are simply allowing yourself to make money, while at the same time you are paying for the water in the cages at the price of meat, which will still come out of the product during the cooking process, and it will again gain its real weight and volume. And the only one who will benefit from this is the manufacturer.