Sodium hypochlorite plays an important role in food production facilities as a processing aid used in specific chemical processes. One of its key applications is in the modification of starch – both potato and corn starch – to produce oxidized starch (E1404). This functional food additive is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide range of products, including soups, sauces, desserts, fruit and vegetable preserves, and ready meals.

Sodium hypochlorite is also used to rinse fresh fruits and vegetables before further processing or packaging. Thanks to its oxidizing properties, it effectively removes contaminants while helping to preserve the quality and freshness of the products.

Sodium hypochlorite also plays an important role in other technological processes that rely on its strong oxidizing and bleaching properties.

• In the textile industry, it is used as a bleaching agentfor preparing both natural and synthetic fabrics for further processing—such as dyeing or finishing. Its ability to break down organic impurities and brighten fibers helps improve the quality and appearance of the final textile product.

• In the chemical industry, sodium hypochlorite is widely used as a reactive medium in organic synthesis processes – particularly where controlled oxidation or chlorination of substrates is required. It is employed in the production of chemical intermediates, specialty additives, and in certain stages of pharmaceutical and cosmetic synthesis, where it acts as a cleaning agent or reaction initiator.

• In the production of paints and pigments, sodium chlorate(I) is involved in chemical processes that help achieve the desired properties of colorants – such as stability, color purity, and resistance to UV radiation.