Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 December 1903 — Alum, Flint and Sulphuric Acid. [ARTICLE]

Alum, Flint and Sulphuric Acid.

It la reported that in many localities houses are inflated by peddlers trying to sell or introduce so-called “cheap’’ or low-priced baking powders, either directly or by an order upon a grocer. In most Instances deception Is used, and It Is claimed that the article Is a genuine baking powder and has all the merits of a pure article. Housekeepers should he on their guard against this danger to their food. Alum powders are almost always lowpriced. But they are well known to be detrimental to health. In England and In some sections of this country their sale Is prohibited by law. Congress has forbidden tbe sale of food containing slum In the District of Columbia. Tbs highest authorities condemn their use. Dr. S. W. Johnson, for instancy Professor of Chemistry at Yale College, says: "Bread made with a baking powder containing alum must yield a soluble alumina salt with tbe gastric juice, and must therefore, act as a, poison.” It is well known that these so-called “cheap” goods are made from alum or the veiy cheapest materials. One of them was recently analyzed at Yale College and found to bei one-quarter sharp pointed grains of ground flint. Others are filled with sulphuric acid, and salts of lead are also found in them. ' In baking powders be sure to get a reputable well-known cream of tartar brand, and never buy from peddlers.