How to distinguish industrial salt from edible salt? The composition of industrial salt and its harm to the body

We all know that there are two types of salt: table salt and industrial salt. Table salt is simply sodium chloride, but industrial salt actually contains other ingredients besides the nitrite we all know. The two cannot be distinguished in appearance, so you must buy table salt from regular channels. It is not good to accidentally eat industrial salt, so let's take a look at the hazards of industrial salt.

How to distinguish between industrial salt and edible salt

There is basically no difference between industrial salt and edible salt in appearance. Both are white crystals. Under special circumstances, edible salt will appear yellow or light blue, while industrial salt will appear slightly light yellow, but it is difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Moreover, both salts have no special smell and are salty when dissolved in water, so it is difficult to distinguish them by taste. The difference can also be seen from the name. Edible salt is for eating, while industrial salt is used for industrial production and construction.

Incorrect use of industrial salt as table salt can cause poisoning, and in severe cases death.

The composition of industrial salt and its harm to the body

Industrial salt is generally a mixture of various salts, but its main ingredient is sodium chloride, and there is also a small amount of magnesium chloride. The main difference from edible salt is that industrial salt contains nitrite, mainly sodium nitrite, which is sometimes further oxidized into nitrate.

A certain amount of nitrite intake by the human body can lead to poisoning. In life, nitrite is sometimes used to adjust the color of meat when cooking. With the improvement of safety awareness, it is rarely used in cooking meat now, because the slightest improper use can lead to poisoning.

Ordinary pickled vegetables, braised meats, and ham sausages all contain nitrites. Intake of 0.3-0.5 grams of nitrites can cause poisoning, and 3 grams can cause death. Nitrite can cause hemoglobin in the blood to lose its oxygen-carrying capacity and is also a carcinogen.

Can I still eat salt that has been stored for a long time?

As long as it is well sealed and not damp or discolored, it is basically edible. However, if it is stored for a long time, it is better not to eat it. After all, salt is not expensive. The shelf life of general iodized salt is within 5 years, but I suggest that you eat it within one year, and a bag of salt cannot be eaten for that long. It is recommended that you eat it according to the shelf life and pay attention to storage. The general storage method is to avoid direct sunlight, avoid placing it in places with high temperatures, and pay attention to moisture.

If you don't eat it, you can use it to wash fish, vegetable boards, hair, and face.