Recently many have noticed that there are some strange ingredients on popular kids’ cereals. These ingredients are well known to be Trisodium phosphate (or tribasic sodium phosphate; TSP), which is a known as a heavy duty cleaner. Many call this a conspiracy theory, others suggest that the ingredient mixes with others to create a chemical reaction to produce a desirable baking result.
A recent article from Snopes, a self-proclaimed, fact-checker states:
The issue here is not whether these cereals contain TSP — they (and many other food items) do. The issue, similarly, is not whether TSP is used as a cleaning product — it is. The issue, instead, is whether or not a chemical used as a cleaning product can also be used safely as a food additive — it can.
An apt comparison for a number of reasons is the chemical sodium bicarbonate. This compound is used in heavy-duty cleaning, as an agent to de-tarnish silver, and even to extinguish fires. Sodium bicarbonate, however, is better known as baking soda, and it is instrumental as a leavening agent (something that makes dough rise) when baking, among other things, chocolate chip cookies.
TSP, too, can be used as a leavening agent, as both sodium bicarbonate and TSP react with acidic compounds present in dough to release carbon dioxide (creating air bubbles that cause the dough to rise). More relevant, but related to the same underlying chemistry, is the fact that both TSP and sodium carbonate can serve as buffering agents, which resist changes in pH.
They Do NOT Deny The Chemical Is In The Cereals!
Honestly, why do we even have to have this discussion? Does it really matter whether it’s safe or not? Whether it’s a toxic chemical or not? There are no other ways to bake? This is the issue with many artificial additives, meanwhile, nature has provided so many wonderful, nutritious, sustainable ways for us to enjoy food that nourish our body just as well.
And FYI, sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, not a deadly chemical like TSP! I find this quite misleading, which is why I strive to make eating clean, simple, easy and affordable. We should not be having this discussion in 2018, but the reality is, we have to make up for years of ignorance, not questioning our food sources and preparation methods. What will we find in the process? It may not be pretty, but addressing these issues, with all the facts, and real science and data on the table will be a starting point to full disclosure of the food and agricultural industry.
