Hydrogen Peroxide and the Food Industry

By Andrei Victorov

Hydrogen peroxide, also referred to hydrogen dioxide, is a molecule consisting of two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms that can occur naturally in the air. The chemical is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a bitter taste.  While there are several methods to produce hydrogen peroxide, the chemical is typically manufactured through a synthesis known as the anthraquinone process.  The process is based on the cyclical reduction and oxidation of an alkylated anthraquinone.