MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Great observation! I never would have thought to look at the ingredient statement for table salt. Your query reminds me of the question about why peanuts are listed as an ingredient in plain M&Ms... The dextrose is probably being used as a processing aide - to keep the salt granules from sticking together during packaging, distribution and storage of the salt. I have used dextrose many times to prevent clumping of starches and fish-eye formation of gums in water. The funny thing is that the Food & Drug Administration usually lets companies leave their processing aides off of their ingredient lists, as long as the material is being used in a small-enough concentration. Anyway, I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if I can help further. Kieran
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Chemistry.