It’s hard to fathom that the use of ammonium hydroxide, a technology that has been thoroughly evaluated by regulatory authorities and found to be acceptable for food use, is suddenly under such vicious attack.
Just a century ago, ammonia refrigeration became part of the food-preservation business. It was used to keep meat cold as it traveled over the nation’s railroads. The meat barons of old Chicago led the way and were thoroughly chastised throughout the country for this “poisonous” way to keep meat cold, versus the former way — ice blocks delivered by horse-driven carts to stores and homes. Some people still call the refrigerator the icebox because the term has endured, although today’s homes and businesses use one of two major types of refrigeration.