FDA Approved: Paint Thinner in Cereal and Other Foods

Have you been shocked by the words “paint thinner in cereal?” I was too, and as a someone looking to inform the public about what’s going on in our food supply, I decided to dive into this unsettling claim. In this article, we’ll unravel the truth about trisodium phosphate, known as trisodium orthophosphate, sodium phosphate, or TSP – the compound often termed as ‘paint thinner’ – that’s found in our breakfast cereals. Is trisodium phosphate in food a concern?

Let’s find out with an eye-opening journey into your morning bowl.

The Role of this Ingredient in Manufacturing and the Food Industry at Large

At its core, TSP is an inorganic phosphate additive, sharing properties with baking soda and sodium bicarbonate. These sodium phosphate additives are a combination of sodium and phosphate. Phosphate comes from phosphorus, a mineral needed in our bodies for bone health, acid-base balance, and more.

The type of naturally occurring phosphorus in whole foods is known as organic phosphorus. The type of phosphorus in food additives like TSP is called inorganic phosphorus. The concern with inorganic phosphate used in additives is that 90% or more is absorbed by our bodies.

When it comes to trisodium phosphate in cereal, its primary function is to act as a leavening agent in order to retain moisture and give cereal a satisfying texture – neither too crunchy nor soggy after adding milk.

But there are numerous reasons for trisodium phosphate in food that go beyond dough-expanding needs.

From bread, pizza, and baked goods to canned soups and even certain types of lunch meat, TSP helps ensure a longer shelf life and ‘better consumer experience’ overall.

Many food industry professionals also value its ability to affect shape and melting properties, ensuring that each individual piece of cereal maintains an appetizing look.

Furthermore, working efficiently as an emulsifier, TSP helps mix ingredients smoothly so the result is uniformly distributed flavors with every bite. This helps with baked goods.

Some may also credit it for enhancing flavor by balancing the product’s acidic nature.

You may find trisodium phosphate in the following foods:

• Cereal
• Processed meats (like lunch meat)
• Baked goods
• Rice syrup
• Canned soups
• Other processed foods

More Than Paint Thinner in Cereal: Going Beyond the Food Industry

While it’s used heavily within the food industry as a food additive it’s uses expand into other areas that don’t seem to make sense when you think about how it’s used in food.

Before we knew it as trisodium phosphate in food manufacturing, people were using this versatile compound to clean interior and exterior walls!

Sound odd? Remember how I mentioned its resemblance to baking soda? Just like that trusted household staple can do anything from freshening up your fridge to scrubbing your tub, so too does TSP wear many hats.

However – and here’s where the controversy creeps in – some fear that consuming something also known as paint thinner could lead to serious health risks.

Health Concerns Surrounding Trisodium Phosphate

In regard to health concerns, regulatory bodies insist that consumption of TSP at approved levels isn’t linked with adverse health effects for individuals with normal kidney function. (Though both the food industry at large as well as the FDA haven’t exactly been the most honest and helpful to the public in the past.)

However, if you’re already at risk for kidney disease or have issues processing phosphates — found not only as additives but also naturally occurring in foods like dairy products and whole grains — then yes, excess phosphorus intake could pose potential risks such as soft tissue calcification and bone health problems.

Both chronic kidney disease and bone health issues have been linked to excess phosphorus intake.

Similarly, elevated phosphate levels might increase heart disease risk factors amongst susceptible populations. It’s also worth noting there’s no convincing evidence associating moderate dietary TSP ingestion symptoms with abdominal pain or other digestive disturbances unless they’re consumed excessively against recommended standards.

Others worry about more immediate symptoms of TSP ingestion like abdominal pain or intestinal inflammation.

Just some of the minor problems with eating TSP include:

• The reduction of bone density due to mineral leeching
• Calcification of the kidneys
• Serious irritation of gastric mucosa
• Abdominal burning
• Shock

So while on one hand, trisodium phosphate allows our favorite cereals and breads their desirable shape and melting properties – while also extending shelf life – there are those persistent whispers about potential danger and negative health effects.

Read: 6 Ingredients Sold in U.S. but Banned in Other Countries

Shouldn’t that give pause to the food industry, and make them question why it should be in our food? It shows up in toothpaste, hair color, some processed meats, cheeses and meats, canned soups, and even mouthwash. What kind of ‘additive’ is this anyway?

Consumer Safety and Making Informed Choices About Trisodium Phosphate and Other Food Additives

The challenge to be informed about what we are eating grows ever more complex. Many people trust Trader Joe’s as one of the smaller grocery store chains offering higher quality foods without unnecessary additives, and other harmful ingredients that can cause cancer, neurological damage, or developmental delays.

As consumers, it’s important for us to prioritize our health and make informed choices about the food we consume. When it comes to concerns about trisodium phosphate (TSP) in cereals and other processed foods, it’s good to be informed, but there are other larger threats out there looming in the food industry.

While some individuals may have health conditions that require them to limit their intake of phosphorus or be cautious about additives like TSP, for the general population, phosphate intake within recommended limits is not considered a health risk.

It’s essential to note that many everyday foods contain naturally occurring phosphates, which are vital nutrients for bone health and energy metabolism.

As responsible consumers, we can also take steps towards making informed choices by reading labels carefully and being aware of our own dietary needs. By maintaining a balanced diet with a variety of whole foods while moderating our intake of processed products high in additives, we can support our overall well-being without unnecessary worry or fear.

Remember, information is key when making decisions about what we put into our bodies. By staying educated on topics such as TSP in cereals and understanding how regulators govern food safety standards, we can confidently navigate through any controversies surrounding food additives like trisodium phosphate in food again.

Final Thoughts

Paint thinner in cereal – which we now know as trisodium phosphate in food – probably shouldn’t be at the top of the stress list, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t at least question its use in the food supply. Just as Subway removed a harmful additive to their breads due to a blogger’s pressure and subsequent petition, it’s possible that this food additive too could face a similar wrath.

You can let your local grocery stores know that they shouldn’t carry products which contain TSP. You can boycott items yourself that contain it, or you can tell the FDA just what you think of their ‘safe’ classification of this obvious toxin. Consumers have a right to non-toxic foods, and TSP definitely doesn’t belong in a bowl of your kid’s cereal.

Additional Sources:

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