Sodium bisulfate is an acid salt with chemical formula NaHSO4. This acid salt is also known as bisulfate of soda, sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium acid sulfate, monosodium salt and monohydrate. Sodium bisulfate has both industrial and food applications and uses in many products, including as a cleaning agent and preservative; it has the ability to lower pH levels in chemical processing for industrial applications.
Food Applications
Food manufacturers use sodium bisulfate to preserve and extend the shelf life of manufactured food items. As a food additive, the chemical helps to prevent the oxidation of fresh-cut produce. Manufacturers use sodium bisulfate in beverages, fillings, sauces, dressings and the processing of meat and poultry and to help reduce the sodium content in food. Soft drink companies use the pH-lowering properties of sodium bisulfate to reduce the tartness of many beverages
Industrial Application
In metal finishing, sodium bisulfate helps to remove the oxidation layer from surfaces. The swimming pool industry uses this acid salt specifically for pH reduction. The chemical manufacturing, water treatment and industrial cleaning industries also use sodium bisulfate. The Association of American Feed Control Officials has approved sodium bisulfate as a feed additive for animals.
Classification
The Food and Drug Administration classifies a substance as "generally recognized as safe" once the agency recognizes the substance safe for human consumption. The FDA has classified food-grade sodium bisulfate as generally recognized as safe. Sodium bisulfate also meets the European Union's E classification for food additives, meaning the EU has recognized the safety of sodium bisulfate as a food additive.
Production and Safety
Food manufacturers use a diluted form of sodium bisulfate. Two companies in the United States produce food-grade sodium bisulfate commercially: Jost Chemical and Jones-Hamilton Co. If exposed to the raw form of sodium bisulfate, seek medical attention.
References
- "Essential Guide to Food Additives"; Michael Saltmarsh; 2000
- "An A-Z Guide to Food Additives"; Deanna M. Minich, PhD, CN; 2009
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