Unwanted Chemicals and Refined, White Sugar

Refined, white sugar is a common ingredient found in many households and food products. It is a versatile sweetener that adds flavour and texture to a variety of dishes and baked goods. However, the process of making refined, white sugar can involve the use of unwanted chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and our health.

The process of making refined, white sugar starts with the cultivation of sugarcane or sugar beet crops. These crops are harvested and then pressed to extract the juice, which is then filtered to remove impurities. The juice is then boiled down to create a thick syrup, which is then cooled and crystallized to form raw sugar.

Raw sugar is then shipped to a sugar refinery where it undergoes a refining process to remove any remaining impurities and to create the final product – refined, white sugar. This refining process involves several steps, including milling, purification, and crystallization.

One of the chemicals that is often used in the refining process is bone char. Bone char is a type of carbon that is made from the bones of cattle and is used to filter out impurities in the raw sugar. While bone char is considered to be an effective and efficient filter, it is also a controversial ingredient due to the fact that it is made from animal bones. Many people may have moral or ethical concerns about consuming a product that has been filtered using animal bones.

Another chemical that is sometimes used in the refining process is phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid is a corrosive chemical that is used to separate the raw sugar crystals from the molasses, which is a sticky, brown syrup that is a by-product of the refining process. Phosphoric acid is also used to adjust the pH of the raw sugar and to remove any impurities that may be present. While phosphoric acid is generally considered to be safe for consumption in small amounts, it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

Another chemical that is used in the refining process is chlorine. Chlorine is used to bleach the raw sugar and to remove any remaining impurities. While chlorine is effective at removing impurities, it can also be harmful to the environment if not used properly. Chlorine can react with other substances in the environment to create harmful compounds, such as dioxins and furans, which can be harmful to both humans and animals.

In addition to these chemicals, refined, white sugar may also contain trace amounts of pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can be present in the raw sugar due to the fact that they are often used in the cultivation of sugarcane and sugar beet crops. While the refining process is designed to remove these impurities, it is not always effective at removing all traces of pesticides and herbicides.

Do they use sulphur in making refined white sugar

Yes, sulphur is sometimes used in the refining process of white sugar. Sulphur is a chemical element that is used to bleach and preserve the raw sugar, as well as to remove impurities such as iron, copper, and other metals.

Sulphur is typically added to the raw sugar in the form of sulphur dioxide, which is a gas that is used to bleach and preserve the sugar. It is also used to remove impurities by reacting with them to form sulphur compounds, which can then be filtered out.

While sulphur is generally considered to be safe for consumption in small amounts, it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Some people may also have allergies or sensitivities to sulphur or sulphur compounds, which can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal issues.

It is worth noting that the use of sulphur in the refining process of white sugar is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. The FDA has set limits on the amount of sulphur that can be used in food products, including white sugar, to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

The use of unwanted chemicals in the refining process of white sugar is a concern for many people. While these chemicals may be necessary to produce a high-quality product, they can also have negative impacts on both the environment and our health. Many people are looking for alternative sweeteners that are made without the use of these chemicals, such as organic sugar or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

In conclusion, the process of making refined, white sugar can involve the use of unwanted chemicals such as bone char, phosphoric acid, sulphur, and chlorine. These chemicals are used to remove impurities and to create the final product, but they can also be harmful to both the environment and our health. If you are concerned about the use of these chemicals in your food, you may want to consider using alternative sweeteners that are made without the use of these chemicals.

Image Courtesy: ECONOMIC TIMES