What is Tripotassium Phosphate E340(iii) in Food and Functions in Cereals?

Tripotassium Phosphate (abbreviation TKP), the soluble phosphoric acid salt of tripotassium with the chemical formula K3PO4, also known as potassium phosphate tribasic. 

This ingredient is vegan & gluten free and can be used as a buffering agent, emulsifying agent and nutrient fortification in food with the European food additive number E340(iii). Compared with another two potassium phosphate salts, monopotassium phosphate and dipotassium phosphate, it is used less as a fertilizer. Also, it is different with trisodium phosphate, but with similar applications with the latter and can be used as its substitute for free sodium in many uses, such as in cereals.

What are the Uses of Tripotassium Phosphate?

TKP is mainly used as an alkaline phosphate to adjust pH or as an alkaline buffering in food and other uses. It is also used to replace trisodium phosphate where reduced sodium is desired. 

Food

Food grade tripotassium phosphate is a multifunctional ingredient that can be used as an acidity regulator, emulsifying agent, sequestrant, potassium enhancement, stabilizer and low-sodium replacement in food. TKP may be employed as a salt to assist caramelization in manufacturing caramel color. TKP may also be used together with fatty acids to reduce some bacteria and yeasts in poultry processing.

Consumers may have health concerns about why this cleaning agent can be used in food, but that is the technical grade, not the food grade. When used as a food additive, it almost has no side effects and its safety has been approved by the FDA (the only potassium phosphate salt that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food additive is dipotassium phosphate), EFSA and JECFA.