do they pasteurized the halite, like they do with milk?

Question

I knew that salt is made out of rocks, but as to all other rocks they’re dirty. So do they pasteurized the rock, like they do with milk?

Answer 1

I don't think so. Halite is mined, from the earth, in many places here in the US (I think Akzo Nobel is one of the largest distributors of Halite). Halite is not intended for human consumption, so I don't think they do anything to clean it. Certainly, they do not pasteurize it.

Answer 2

Halite is indeed mined and ground into table salt for human consumption. Halite is sodium chloride (NaCl) the salt that is used to season our food. Other types of salt are mined as well. For example, sylvite is potassium chloride (KCl) and is used as a salt substitute for people trying to lower their sodium intake.

It is not pasteurized though. Pasteurization is a process of heating organic liquids (like milk) to destroy harmful organisms like bacteria or viruses. It wouldn't apply to rocks. I honestly don't know if or how they clean the salt before it's sold to us. Interesting question though!!