You made me look . I am kinda shocked , food grade lye , wear protection and goggles? I can't find an explanation though, why it is used in pretzels . Weird!!
I guess the chemicals in it is what does it.. i'm assuming the lye is one of the special chems that just does it for the food like vinager (is that how you spell that..?)
It sure doesn't make me want to eat pretzels or bagels anymore. LOL
Of course, if we knew EVERYTHING that's put into our foods before they're packaged...we'd probably die of shock. ;0)
Oh I know, i've been overseas for the past year and will be returning home and i told my mom to get the kitchen ready because i'm going to eat her outta house and home!!!