1 February 2024
Eben van Tonder
Introduction
In the captivating world of formulation chemistry, where the mingling of multiple components rivals the celestial dance of the Three-Body Problem, a guiding light emerges the “Formulation Law.” This law, similar to the mysteries of celestial mechanics, showcases how straightforward polynomial equations can tackle the Two-Body Problem while embracing the challenges of foreseeing outcomes when three or more components converge.
Solving the Two-Body Puzzle and Its Implications in the Formulation Domain
In the celestial arena, we unveil the elegance of the Two-Body Problem, tamed by the beauty of the polynomial equations. This is a parallel to formulations where only two ingredients are used. When the chemistry involves only two simple ingredients, the outcome is predictable. The moment a third ingredient is added the plot thickens, and we are in the realm of the Three-Body Problem.
Navigating the Seas of Formulation Complexity
Developing formulations with three or more ingredients brings about great uncertainty. Not only do the characteristics of the ingredients change and influence each other in an entirely new and unpredictable way, but processing conditions such as temperature, pH, agitation, rest, and processing speed add a staggering array of unpredictability as changes in any one of these can completely alter the characteristics of the individual products and the impact or interaction they have on one another. Viewed in this way, that changing temperature, pH, agitation, resting, and processing speed may alter the characteristics of every ingredient so dramatically that we may think of the same product at various processing conditions as a completely new ingredient. This makes what we thought of as a “Two-Ingredient Problem” actually already a multi-body or multi-ingredient problem and may take us into the realm of complete uncertainty. This state of uncertainty is mirrored by the Three-Body Problem — needing numerical insights.
The “Formulation Law”: Simplicity and Nature’s Bounty for Excellence
The “Formulation Law” is my guiding principle to lead me through these turbulent waters, decreeing that the ingredients be as unprocessed and natural as possible while keeping their number to a minimum. This precept yields products not only potent but also in tune with our biological heritage.
The Fourth Body Dilemma: Acknowledging Human Alchemy
Taking a cue from celestial mechanics, the “Formulation Law” also accounts for the human body — the “Fourth Body Dilemma.” Just as celestial bodies tangle in intricate patterns, formulation ingredients mix and mingle with digestion and metabolism’s intricate constituents. Ensuring harmony with our nutritional needs and health remains the key objective of any formulation scientist. The second outcome must be good taste (high consumer acceptance from an organoleptic perspective).
Boundaries to the Law
Important boundaries are set for the “Formulation Law.” The formulation scientists are not responsible for rectifying or compensating for consumer habits such as poor diet or lifestyle choices like smoking, poor exercise regime, a too intense exercise routine, substances like drugs, poor sleeping habits, etc. The law’s focus remains set on perfecting the formulation itself to embrace simplicity, nature’s essence, and health alignment. Personal choices and habits remain the prerogative of the individual.
The “Formulation Law” asks that I seek the simplicity and wisdom of nature in ingredient choices. As we stray further from nature’s blueprint, we will find ourselves in trouble. By heeding this law, I honour nature’s aeons of wisdom, creating products that not only excel but also resonate with the symphony of the human body’s intricate balance and with the human senses as defined in organoleptic evaluation.
Notes
Creating such a Law or a device to guide my work became apparent as I wrestled with the matter of nitrosamines in bacon again last night. I was again stunned by the one-dimensional approach employed in solving the consumer challenge and I penned my thoughts in this article in the early hours of this morning: Navigating Nitrites: Understanding Their Role in Diet and Health.
I realised that such a Law or, better defined as a philosophy of formulation is required.
A second event occurred before I left for the factory when my business partner, Richard Bosman called me today and suggested that we stick to simple ingredients and where we do modifications, it’s done in simple ways.
I have not thought through every aspect of this “law” yet. I am wondering if there is room for a statement about food safety, but I think it’s adequately handled by other components of the Law as I define it here. Please share your thoughts and insights.
In the video, I discuss the Formulation Law and how it came about.