Tag: Baking soda safety

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) for use as a direct food additive. However, its safety hinges on using the correct, food-grade variety and consuming it in appropriate amounts.

Just one teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,260 milligrams of sodium, a significant portion of the recommended daily limit. While sometimes used for temporary relief, the question, "is baking soda safe to drink every day?" is met with a strong caution from health experts.

While baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a household staple with many cleaning and cooking uses, ingesting large amounts can be toxic. The answer to "is baking soda safe to lick?" depends heavily on the quantity, as excessive consumption poses significant health risks due to its high sodium and alkaline content.

Overdose reports from baking soda ingestion exist, with serious metabolic and neurological complications noted. This raises the question: is bicarbonate safe to consume under normal circumstances, and what are the specific risks and benefits associated with its use?

According to the California Poison Control System, misuse of baking soda is a common reason for calls regarding ingestion, highlighting the dangers of excessive intake. While used for decades in baking and as a home remedy, understanding when and how bicarbonate of soda can be harmful is crucial for safety.