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Mineral salts
Version: 29/07/2009
Content 2
Because of the numerous amount of mineral salts used in the food and feed industry and their
several applications a selection of studied mineral salts has been made. The studied mineral salts
do not give a complete overview of the mineral salts used in the food and feed industry.
2. Type of hazard
Chemical
o In flue gas desulphurization, exhaust gases from fossil-fuel-burning power stations and
other processes (e.g. cement manufacture) are scrubbed to reduce their sulphur oxide
content by injecting finely ground limestone or lime. This produces an impure calcium
sulfite, which oxidizes on storage to calcium sulphate.
o In the production of phosphoric acid from rock phosphate, calcium phosphate is treated with
sulphuric acid and calcium sulphate precipitates.
o In production of hydrogen fluoride, calcium fluoride is treated with sulphuric acid and
precipitating calcium sulphate.
o In the refining of zinc, solutions of zinc sulphate are treated with lime to co-precipitate heavy
metals such as barium.
Calcium sulphate dihydrate is primarily used to manufacture wallboard and plaster. It is also
used as a soil additive or conditioner for large areas of land in suburban and agricultural
regions. High-purity variety is used in several industrial operations, including the production of
foods, glass, paper, and pharmaceuticals. It is especially found in traditional (i.e., Chinese
herbal) medicines (Integrated Laboratory Systems, 2006).
In the feed industry calcium sulphate dihydrate is also a registered feed additive, E516, and
approved as binder, anti caking agent and coagulant (European Commission2, 2009).
Disodium pyrophosphate Na2H2P2O7: phosphate salts are retrieved from naturally occurring
minerals, which are mined, refined, and purified for use in many applications. Starting with
naturally-occurring phosphate ore mined around the world, phosphoric acid is produced. Once
as phosphoric acid, it can be combined with other elements such as calcium, potassium and
sodium into salts of orthophosphates. The orthophosphates can be converted by heat into
pyrophosphate (PFA, 2009).
In the European Union it is registered as a food additive with restricted use (European
Parliament2, 1998). In the food industry it is used as buffer, emulsifier (Food-Info2, 2009) and
raising agent (JECFA1, 2000).
In the feed industry it is also a registered feed additive, E450(i), and approved as acidity
regulator in pet food for dogs and cats (European Commission2, 2009).
4.1 Environment
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: releases into the environment are expected to occur mainly during
processing with wastewater in the food industry. In the phosphatic fertilizer industry and gypsum
industry, wastewater containing calcium sulphate dihydrate, is recycled into the manufacturing
process. Thus there are no emissions of wastewater and exhaust gases to the environment from these
industries. Photo degradation and distribution modelling are not applicable since calcium sulphate
dihydrate is the salt of an inorganic substance. Mixed with water, calcium sulphate dihydrate
becomes a paste that can be spread, cast, or moulded and will then set to rocklike hardness
when dry (OECD1, 2003).
Calcium sulphate dihydrate is used for soil improvement: in the reclamation of sodic soils
where the exchangeable sodium percentage is too high. The calcium replaces the sodium held
on the clay-binding sites. The sodium can then be leached from the soil as sodium sulphate. It
also provides calcium, which is needed to flocculate clays in acid and alkaline soils. It is the
process in which many individual small clay particles are bound together to give much fewer
but larger particles, Such flocculation is needed to give favourable soil structure for root growth
and air and water movement (D.K.T. Co Ltd, 2009).
Disodium pyrophosphate: condensed phosphates, including pyrophosphates, will hydrolyse in
natural waters or during waste water treatment to the orthophosphate form. Phosphates
introduced into soil rapidly hydrolyze to orthophosphates by the activity of soil micro organisms
and chemical hydrolysis (European Commission, 2000). The relative amount of ionic species
in the soil solution depends on soil pH. Acid soils favour the H2PO4- species, and alkaline soils
favour the presence of HPO4 2-(Whitney, 1988).
4.2 Plants
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: interacts with soil selenium. Adding calcium sulphate dihydrate to
the soil, reduces the selenium concentration in plants (alfalfa) (Arthur et al, 1993). Other
interactions have also been reported in case calcium sulphate dihydrate is added to soil:
reduced plant dry weight and reduced nitrogen, phosphor, calcium, potassium, magnesium,
4.3 Animals
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: bioavailability studies in pigs have been conducted. The bioavailability
of calcium in calcium sulphate dihydrate was similar to that for limestone, oyster shell flour, marble
dust, and aragonite, ranging from 85 to 102% (Integrated Laboratory Systems, 2006).
Disodium pyrophosphate: in the animal body diphosphate is formed from adenosyl
triphosphate (ATP) in many enzymatic reactions. It is either utilized by entering phosphorolytic
reactions, or it is hydrolysed by an inorganic diphosphatase to monophosphate. Ingested
diphosphate is readily converted to monophosphate. In these experiments diphosphate was
almost completely absorbed by the gut and excreted as monophosphate in the urine (JECFA 2,
1970).
4.5 Humans
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: there was no information found in terms of toxicokinetics,
metabolism and distribution of oral intake of calcium sulphate dihydrate (OECD1, 2003). When
inhaled, it is very soluble in the body; its half-life in the lungs has been estimated as minutes. In
four healthy men receiving calcium supplementation with calcium sulphate (CaSO41/2H2O)
(200 or 220 mg) for 22 days, an average absorption of 28.3% was reported (Integrated
Laboratory Systems, 2006).
Disodium pyrophosphate: Metabolically, the phosphate salts provide a source of the various
cations (sodium) and the phosphate ion (JECFA3, 1982).
5. Diagnose of poisoning
For the studied mineral salts no specific diagnosis have been found. Diagnose should be made
based on general symptoms which relate to the in table 2 mentioned possible dangers in
combination with the presence of the mineral salt.
5.1 Animals
No specific data found.
5.2 Humans
No specific data found.
For potential contaminants see table 1 and for more toxicological information, see Appendix II.
6.1 Environment
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: bioaccumulation is not expected (OECD1, 2003). Since it is widely
used as soil additive and OECD has stated that because of the low hazard profile calcium
sulphate dihydrate is currently of low priority for further work.
Disodium pyrophosphate: will hydrolyse to orthophosphates, the toxicity of phosphates should
be studied. Phosphates in the environment cause eutrophication. Eutrophication means the
enrichment of natural waters with plant nutrients, in this case phosphorus. In first instance, an
increase in the availability of phosphorus leads to increased productivity in the aquatic food
chain. But given a sustained high level over a prolonged period of time, together with optimal
conditions of light, warmth, low wind and water turbulence, there can be permanent changes in
the types and diversity of plants and higher organisms which inhabit the water body. In
particular, the growth of algae can be favoured over other plants. This becomes problematic if
potentially toxic blue-green algal strains predominate. In extreme cases, there can be a
proliferation of algal blooms which severely attenuate light penetration, making surface layers
warmer and inhibiting vertical convection. This can lead to stratification of the water body and
the formation of a hypolimnion (a colder bottom layer) which may become de-oxygenated,
leading to the loss of various bottom-dwelling plant and animal species (CEEP, 2001).
6.2 Animals
In table 2 an overview is given of potential hazards of mineral salts themselves.
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: one study on acute oral toxicity in animals is available. No dead
animals were observed at the limit test exposed to 2.000 mg/kg bodyweight, so oral LD50 for
rats was greater than 2.000 mg/kg body weight. One study on oral repeated dose toxicity in
animals (rats) is available. In this test calcium sulphate, dihydrate had no critical influence on
test items such as mortality, body weights (organ weight), food consumption, necropsy and
behaviour of the animals. However, the values of total protein), albumin, blood urea nitrogen),
and creatinine were decreased significantly. There are no indications that calcium sulphate
dihydrate induces abnormal chromosomal changes. There was no information found regarding
of carcinogenicity. There are no significant treatment-related changes up to 1,000 mg/kg
6.4 Humans
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: is skin, eye, mucous membrane, and respiratory system irritant.
Other symptoms humans may exhibit from exposure are coughing, sneezing, or rhinorrhea .
Several studies in humans (as well as animals) showed no lung fibrosis produced by natural
dusts of calcium sulphate (Integrated Laboratory Systems, 2006).
Disodium pyrophosphate: Of greatest concern is the toxicity arising from phosphate imbalance
in the diet. Phosphate salts were not mutagenic in a number of test systems. Teratogenic
effects have not been observed in mammalian test systems (JECFA3, 1982).
For the severity of contaminants which might be present in mineral salts, see fact sheet specific
contaminant.
9. Standards
.
The use of mineral salts as technical processing aids or as nutritional element in fermentation in
food and feed is not specifically legally regulated within the European Union. The use as additives
is legally regulated by Directive 95/2. Purity criteria, when used as additives are legally regulated
by Commission Directive 2008/84/EC and Commission Directive 2009/10/EC. The use as additives
in feed is legally regulated by Regulation 1831/2003/EC where feed additives are registered in the
Community Register of Feed Additives. These directives and regulation do not legally apply in case
of use as processing aids, but can be used as guidelines.
For some products, like wine, there is a code of practice and the use of mineral salts is legally
regulated (European Parliament, 1999).
So mind that processing aids which are also used as additives are not regulated within Regulation
1272/2008/EC and also that the feed and food additives legislation do not legally apply!
The FAO / WHO Joined Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has laid down
specifications for specific mineral salts when used as food additive. For specifications concerning
impurities, see Appendix IV. Mind that these purity criteria do not apply when mineral salts are
used as processing aids, however they can be used as guidelines.
Assay methods and identification tests can be used to determine (European Commission6, 2008):
Calcium sulphate dihydrate: should test positive for calcium and sulphate. Calcium sulphate
content should not be less than 99% on the anhydrous basis
Disodium pyrophosphate: should test positive for sodium and phosphate. A 1% solution should
have pH between 3,7 an 5,0. Content of disodium diphoshpate should not be less than 95%
and P2O5 content should be between 63,0 en 64,5%.
JECFA has also stated methods of assay and identification test for calcium sulphate dihydrate
(JECFA4, 2004 and disodium pyrophosphate (JECFA1, 2000).
The above mentioned analysis methods are prescribed for mineral salts used as additives, for use
as processing aids the above mentioned methods can be used as guidelines.
Mineral salts are natural components and can be chemically synthesized. Their presence in nature
and products is not likely to be avoidable. Key is to minimize residual levels to levels which cause
no danger or adverse effects. Focus should be on the origin of mineral salts, their purity and
contaminants mentioned in this fact sheet.
1. Verification if / which mineral salts are used during processing of feed / food material.
2. Verify if by-products / waste products are added to the feed material, which might contain
mineral salts or residual mineral salts.
4. Verify if a product specification is present, what is specified and if regular checks are installed
to verify if the mineral salts used, meet this specification. Pay special attention to impurities and
contaminants which might give an indication what grade is used.
5. Pay special attention to mineral salts which also have non-food / non-feed applications, like
aluminium sulphate (also used in water treatment) in relation to the grade which is used.
6. Food / feed material producers should verify if residual mineral salts are present in food / feed
material. A HACCP risk analyses should be made.
7. Determine which contaminants might be present in the mineral salts. Mineral salts which are
used as additives should comply with Directive 2008/84/EC and Directive 2009/10/EC criteria
of purity (see Appendix III). For mineral salts used as processing aids, these criteria of purity do
not legally apply, but they can be used as guidelines. Also JECFA purity criteria (Appendix IV)
can be used as guidelines. Mind that not all possible contaminants are included in the criteria
of purity. The use of certain mineral salts as additives in feed should comply with Regulation
1831/2003/EC and feed additives should be registered in the Community Register of Feed
Additives. This regulation does not legally apply in case of use as processing aids, but can be
used as guideline.
Food / feed producers should therefore verify how the mineral salts are produced (starting at
point of origin). The origin should be specified (e.g. producer, surplus material, recycled
material, natural origin, chemical origin etc.). For each mineral salt supplier combination a
HACCP risk analyses should be made to determine the possible contaminants.
8. Food / feed producers should verify how the mineral salts are produced (starting at point of
origin). The origin should be specified (e.g. producer, surplus material, recycled material,
natural origin, chemical origin etc.). For each mineral salt supplier combination a HACCP risk
analyses should be made to determine the possible contaminants.
9. Food / feed producers should verify if / how these contaminants transfer to food / feed products
using the HACCP risk analysis system.
10. Food / feed producers should verify if it is possible that mineral salts might interact / react with
other components (e.g. other contaminants) to synthesize new components during processing
and if these new components end up in the feed material.
11. Exclude adding of by-products / waste products which might contain mineral salts or residual
mineral salts.
12. Verify yourself if possible contaminants are present in the product you bought / will buy from
the supplier who is using mineral salts during production.
12. References
13. Websites
1 http://www.pdv.nl/
2 http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/animalnutrition/feedadditives/legisl_en.htm
3 http://www.food-info.net/uk/
4 http://www.codexalimentarius.net/gsfaonline/additives/index.html
5 http://www.who.int/ipcs/food/en/
6 http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/jecfa-additives/index.html
7 http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sfp/flav_index_en.html
Disodium pyrophosphate
CAS-number : 7758-16-9
Synonyms : Diphosphoric acid, disodium salt; Disodium dihydrogen
pyrophosphate; Disodium diphosphate; Sodium Acid
pyrophosphate; SAPP, E450(i)
NOEL (mg/kg BW) ADI (mg/kg BW) LD50 (mg/kg BW) Dose clinical symptoms Deadly dosis (mg/kg BW)
(mg/kg BW)
Sodium chloride (during 3000 (rat/bird) (Bollinger, 1500 (bird)(Bollinger, 2005) 8000 (bird) (Bollinger 2005)
water deprivation) 2005) 6000 (sheep) (Merck, 2005)
2200 (pig, horse, cattle)
(Merck, 2005)
Sodium chloride (access to > 4.000 mg/l water (duck) < 5 gram/day (WHO, 2008)
water) (NRC, 2005)1
> 1,7% in diet (turkey) (NRC,
2005)2
> 9,1% in diet (ewes) (NRC,
2005)3
> 5,85% in diet (lambs)
(NRC, 2005)4
Calcium sulphate dihydrate 100 (rat) (OECD1, 2003)5 Not limited (JECFA4, 2004) 2000 (rat) (OECD1, 2003) 300 (rat) (OECD1, 2003)
Disodium pyrophosphate No data found MTDIX of 70 mg/kg BW 2650 (mouse) (European
expressed as phosphorus Commission, 2000)
from all food sources
(JECFA1, 2000)
1
= during 21 days
2
= during 14 days
3
= during 253 days
4
= during 119 days
5
= during 35 days
X
MTDI = Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake