(NaPO3)6
Useful as a familiar nominal representation, but it can incorrectly imply that commercial SHMP is one discrete cyclic hexamer with a single molecular weight.
Food phosphate · SHMP · White powder
Food Grade Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Bespring supplies food grade sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), a glassy sodium polyphosphate evaluated for sequestration, emulsification and texture control in permitted food applications. This page distinguishes commercial SHMP identity from a simple discrete hexamer and sets out source-specific purchasing limits.
- CAS number
- 10124-56-8
- Food designation
- INS / E452(i)
- Total P2O5
- ≥ 68.0%
- pH (1% solution)
- 5.8–6.5
Include your required standard, quantity, pallet preference, destination and application for an efficient review.
Defined specificationEight quality parameters listed
25 kg packagingKraft paper outer bag with inner PE bag
24-month shelf lifeFrom manufacturing date under stated storage
Container loadingWith or without pallets
Product overview
What is food grade SHMP?
Food grade sodium hexametaphosphate is a water-soluble, glassy sodium polyphosphate supplied here as a white powder. JECFA treats sodium hexametaphosphate as a synonym within the broader sodium polyphosphates, glassy identity rather than as one pure six-unit molecule.
Commercial SHMP may therefore differ in chain-length distribution, sodium oxide-to-phosphorus pentoxide ratio, P2O5, inactive phosphate and solution pH. Buyers should qualify the offered source against the intended standard and process—not approve it from the name “SHMP” alone.
Polyphosphate identity
Why commercial SHMP is not simply (NaPO3)6
“Hexametaphosphate” is a longstanding commercial name, but the food-additive reference describes a distribution of linear polyphosphate chains.
Glassy sodium polyphosphate
JECFA describes amorphous, water-soluble linear chains, generally represented as (NaPO3)x with terminal groups. Graham’s salt, commonly called SHMP, has an approximate x of 13–18.
Qualify the actual grade
Review identity, P2O5, inactive phosphate, solution pH, contaminants, physical form and any source-specific chain-distribution information relevant to performance.
Formulation value
Why is SHMP used in food processing?
SHMP can perform several functions, but the effect depends on chain distribution, solution chemistry, the complete recipe, use level, raw materials and process conditions.
Metal-ion sequestration
Complexes certain metal ions that can otherwise affect product appearance, texture or process stability.
Emulsification
May support protein–fat–water organization in validated systems such as selected processed-cheese formulations.
Texture management
Can influence dispersion and finished texture, subject to formulation trials and the complete phosphate system.
Solution behavior
Commercial grades differ in pH and phosphate distribution, which can affect handling and formulation response.
Typical application areas
Food grade SHMP applications
Suitability, dosage and label declaration must be reviewed against the finished formulation and the regulations of both manufacturing and destination markets.
Cheese, meat & seafood
SHMP is evaluated in selected protein and dairy formulations where sequestration, emulsification, pH control and texture management are relevant.
- Processed cheese and cheese products
- Selected meat and poultry systems
- Fish and seafood processing
Noodles, vegetables & desserts
It may be used as a functional phosphate in permitted noodle, vegetable, cream, whitening and gelled dessert applications.
- Noodles and selected cereal products
- Processed vegetable applications
- Cream products and dessert gels
Product specification
Food grade sodium hexametaphosphate specification
The following limits reproduce a source-specific commercial specification. They are not a universal food-grade SHMP standard; the signed contract specification, agreed methods and batch certificate of analysis govern an order.
| Test item | Specification | Unit / condition |
|---|---|---|
| Total phosphate as P2O5 | ≥ 68.0 | % |
| Inactive phosphate as P2O5 | ≤ 7.5 | % |
| Water-insoluble matter | ≤ 0.06 | % |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 200 | ppm |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 | ppm |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 | ppm |
| pH | 5.8–6.5 | 1% solution |
| Fluoride | ≤ 30 | ppm |
Specification notice: Confirm analytical methods, sampling rules, food-additive identity and acceptance criteria before contracting. A batch COA should be reviewed against the agreed purchase specification.
Grade selection
How to qualify a food grade SHMP offer
SHMP performance and approval depend on more than total phosphate. Compare the offered source across the parameters that affect identity, formulation and compliance.
Confirm total phosphate, reporting basis and method. The supplied ≥68.0% limit sits within the broader JECFA identity range but remains source-specific.
Review the supplied ≤7.5% limit and method because hydrolysis products and phosphate distribution can help distinguish commercial grades.
Confirm pH at the stated concentration, dissolution behavior, clarity and particle form against the actual processing sequence.
Align fluoride, arsenic, lead/heavy-metal and any destination-specific limits; do not infer compliance from “food grade” wording alone.
Validate sequestration, emulsification, dispersion and texture response in the complete recipe, including other phosphates and salts.
Request the current signed specification, batch COA, SDS and applicable quality or regulatory documents for the exact source.
Keep food and mining intent separate
This page is for food-grade qualification and permitted food applications. For ore, slurry and mineral-processing testwork, use the dedicated SHMP for mining and mineral processing page. The two grades and approval processes should not be treated as interchangeable.
Packing & logistics
Export packing and container loading
Final loading is subject to container limits, route, pallet dimensions and shipping confirmation.
- Standard packagingNet 25 kg per bag; outer kraft paper bag with inner PE bag.
- Without palletsReference load: 24 MT per 20-foot general-purpose container.
- With palletsReference load: 22 MT per 20-foot general-purpose container.
Packaging and logistics references
SHMP packaging, sample and container-loading references
These photographs show SHMP packaging, a labeled powder sample and a reference container-loading view.
Storage & shelf life
Keep SHMP cool, dry and segregated
- Warehouse conditionsStore in a ventilated, dry, shaded and cool warehouse.
- SegregationDo not store or transport together with poisonous materials.
- Shelf life24 months from manufacturing date under the specified storage conditions.
Food-additive identity
Confirm the applicable market standard
Codex JECFA lists sodium hexametaphosphate as a synonym under sodium polyphosphate, glassy (INS 452(i)). That identity specification is not a list of universally permitted food categories or use levels. Confirm the offered source, applicable additive name, food category, maximum level, labeling and documentation under the manufacturing and destination-market rules.
Phosphate decision path
Compare SHMP with related food phosphates
Use these pages to separate product identity from application selection and build a technically useful sourcing brief.
Related productSodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)Compare a distinct tripolyphosphate with different identity and commercial specifications.
Related productSodium Trimetaphosphate (STMP)Avoid confusing a defined trimetaphosphate with commercial SHMP.
Related productFood Phosphate BlendsEvaluate multi-phosphate systems against an application target.
Buyer guideSTPP vs SHMPCompare identity, selection factors and RFQ requirements.
Application guideDairy & Cheese IngredientsMap emulsification and texture questions before trials.
Application guideSeafood Phosphate SelectionStructure a seafood-specific phosphate qualification brief.
Buyer questions
Food grade SHMP FAQ
What is food grade SHMP used for?
It is used in permitted food formulations as a sequestrant, pH regulator, quality improver and functional phosphate. Application areas include selected processed cheese, meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, cream products and dessert gels.
What is the P2O5 content of this SHMP?
The supplied specification states total phosphate as P2O5 at 68.0% minimum and inactive phosphate as P2O5 at 7.5% maximum.
Is SHMP the same as INS 452(i)?
Codex JECFA lists sodium hexametaphosphate as a synonym under sodium polyphosphate, glassy (INS 452(i)). Because commercial identity and CAS references can vary, buyers should confirm the applicable specification and destination-market designation.
Is commercial SHMP a pure six-unit metaphosphate?
Not generally. JECFA describes sodium polyphosphates, glassy as distributions of linear chains and notes that Graham’s salt, commonly called sodium hexametaphosphate, has an approximate chain length of 13–18. Buyers should qualify the commercial grade rather than rely on the shorthand formula alone.
How is food grade SHMP packed and loaded?
Standard packing is a net 25 kg kraft paper outer bag with an inner PE bag. Reference loading is 24 MT per 20GP without pallets or 22 MT with pallets, subject to final shipment confirmation.
What information is needed for an SHMP quotation?
Provide the required food standard, quantity, packaging and pallet preference, destination port, intended application and requested delivery date.
Can I request product documents or a sample?
Ask the sales team for the current specification, TDS, SDS, applicable quality documents, batch COA format and sample availability. State the application and destination market so the relevant information can be reviewed.
Last substantially reviewed 2026-08-22 by the Bespring Chemical technical and export team. Source-specific commercial claims require internal confirmation before publication.
Start a sourcing conversation
Request a food grade SHMP quote
Share the commercial and technical details that affect product selection, documentation, container loading and landed cost.
- Required food standard and specification
- Quantity, packaging and pallet preference
- Destination country or port
- Application and delivery timing