Definition of Food Grade
Before jumping into the definition of food grade chemicals, it will be helpful to have an overview of what food grade means. Food grade substances are substances that are safe to come into contact with food. Not only that, but they are safe to be consumed themselves.
This definition varies depending on what the substance in question is. For instance, food and beverage ingredients that are food grade would have to meet both of these requirements, whereas food grade equipment that is used to process food products only has to be safe to come into contact with food.
Definition of Food Grade Chemicals
Food grade chemicals are determined by the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC). The FCC was established in 1966 to provide consumers with standards for food grade chemicals. It supplies purity standards that these chemicals must meet in order to be considered food grade. These standards are important, as they are often utilized in agreements made between chemical manufacturers and suppliers.
The FCC is currently on its 12th edition and contains accounts of over 1,250 chemicals. Each of these accounts includes information about the chemical’s structure, formula, molecular weight, function, packaging, storage, and other identifying information. They may also include methods for testing the quality and purity of the chemical.
Examples of Food Grade Chemicals
Food grade chemicals consist of a wide range of categories of chemicals used in food products. Some examples of these categories include:
- Preservatives
- Flavorings
- Vitamins
- Essential oils
- Colorants
- Solvents
- Thickeners
- Emulsifiers
Some specific examples of the approximately 1,250 food grade chemicals included in the 12th edition of the FCC are:
- Acetic acid
- Acetone
- Benzyl acetate
- Dibenzyl ether
- Glycerin
- Nutmeg oil
- Phosphoric acid
- Stevia leaf extract
- Sulfur dioxide
- Wheat gluten
- Zinc oxide
Where to Purchase Food Grade Chemicals
Are you looking for food grade chemicals to use for extraction purposes? Here at Extraction Grade Solvents, we offer several solvents, including methanol, 1-butanol, and acetone, that are food grade and can thus be utilized in the manufacturing of consumable products. These solvents are perfect to use in the extraction processes of edible oil, CBD oil, and more. Additionally, they are available in bulk sizes and formulated with eco-friendly ingredients.
If you have any questions, would like to learn more, or are ready to purchase one of these products, our team of chemists would be happy to help you. Please contact us here or 800-563-1305 today!