Demineralization

Demineralization is the removal of dissolved minerals from water or food ingredients, typically by ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis or nanofiltration. It features in food manufacture across sugar syrups, drinking water, musts, whey and factory effluents. Beverage and dairy plants demineralize water to prevent scale, off-flavours and interference with formulations, while whey processors demineralize whey for infant formula. Over-treatment must be avoided since it strips desirable minerals too, and spent regenerant chemicals need responsible disposal. The term also covers undesirable mineral losses, such as the leaching of nutrients from foods during processing.