MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Why does table salt (NaCl) contain dextrose?

Date: Thu Jul 30 13:34:08 1998
Posted By: Kieran Kelly, grad, Darden School of Business Admin., University of Virginia
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 901761786.Ch
Message:

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


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