Blind to Deception: Arizona’s Alum Baking Powder Scandal

April 8, 1911, marked a dark day in Arizona’s history as chemists revealed that a local baking powder manufacturer was compromising public health. RottL Baking Powder, touted as ‘Absolutely Pure,’ was found to contain alum, a toxic substance that endangered consumers. Alum, a common ingredient in baking powder, was discovered to seep into the stomach, retarding digestion and posing a significant health risk to those who consumed biscuits made with the tainted powder.