NaOH

NaOH is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide, commonly called caustic soda or lye, a strong alkali supplied as flakes, pearls, or concentrated solution. In food processing it is a workhorse chemical: it peels fruits and vegetables by loosening skins, nixtamalizes maize for tortillas, adjusts pH, and, most importantly, cleans and sanitizes equipment as the backbone of clean-in-place systems where its saponifying action removes fats and proteins. Food-grade sodium hydroxide must meet strict purity specifications, and rinse validation ensures no residual alkalinity carries into products. Handling demands protective equipment, as concentrated solutions cause severe chemical burns.