We came across a post on X claiming that a chemical compound used in paint degreasers is also a common ingredient in breakfast cereals.
The post features a video highlighting an ingredient in breakfast cereals, trisodium phosphate, and points out that the same compound can also be found in hardware stores as a heavy-duty cleaner that is used to prepare walls before painting.
While the video focuses on Lucky Charms, a popular breakfast cereal in the United States, we examined ingredient lists of popular cereals in Singapore, and found that the same compound is listed as an ingredient in household brands like Cheerios, Corn Flakes and Koko Krunch.

Image via: Fairprice
What is trisodium phosphate?
Trisodium phosphate is a compound made up of sodium and inorganic phosphate, a chemical derived from phosphorus. Its primary characteristic is its alkalinity, which makes it effective in a variety of applications. Industrial grade trisodium phosphate can break down grease and clean surfaces, hence its use as an effective paint degreaser, where it prepares walls for painting by removing residues and oils.
However, food-grade trisodium phosphate is highly purified and differs significantly from its industrial counterpart. In food processing, its alkalinity helps to neutralise acidity while preserving the flavour and texture of food.
Is it safe for us to consume trisodium phosphate?
Food-grade trisodium phosphate is used in very small quantities and has been extensively reviewed by regulatory authorities. Sodium phosphates are approved as food additives by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Union. In Singapore, the Singapore Food Agency explicitly lists trisodium phosphate as a permitted food additive under the Singapore Food Regulations.
The minerals of sodium and phosphorus are not new to the human digestive system. Sodium is commonly found in table salt (also known as sodium chloride), while phosphorus is naturally present in various foods, including milk, beans, eggs and nuts. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in bone health and other bodily functions.
As a food additive, inorganic phosphorus helps to extend the shelf life of food and primarily serves to reduce acidity. It is also added to meat products, such as sausages and canned tuna, to improve water retention and prolong freshness. Additionally, it functions as a thickening agent in products like instant mashed potatoes.
In 2019, the European Food Safety Authority re-evaluated the safety of phosphates as food additives, including trisodium phosphate, and confirmed their safety for consumption. They recommended an acceptable daily intake of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 70-kilogram individual, this corresponds to a maximum intake of 2,800 milligrams per day from both organic and inorganic sources.
However, there is a key distinction between natural (organic) phosphorus and inorganic phosphorous. Organic phosphorus, found in whole foods, has a much lower and slower absorption rate compared to inorganic phosphorus, such as the ones found in trisodium phosphates. Since organic phosphorus is naturally present in many foods and phosphorus deficiency is rare in developed countries, experts recommend limiting processed foods and maintaining a balanced diet to meet daily phosphorus needs.
Therefore, the claim that a compound found in industrial cleaning products is also present in breakfast cereals is partially true. While the chemical compound is the same, the food-grade version undergoes a rigorous purification process to make it safe for consumption. This process has been extensively reviewed by regulatory authorities, and food-grade trisodium phosphate is used in small, controlled amounts to help preserve food quality and extend shelf life.