Food Grade (FCC) chemicals

What food grade means

Food grade describes substances manufactured and tested to specifications for use in food. The most widely referenced compendium is the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, which sets identity, assay and impurity requirements for food ingredients and additives. Other important references include the specifications of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), EU purity criteria for food additives with E numbers, and national rules such as India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) regulations.

Food grade concerns both the specification and how the material is made and handled. Regulators expect food ingredients to be produced under appropriate hygiene and food safety controls, so documentation beyond the COA is often requested.

Typical specification profile

Parameter	Example: citric acid, anhydrous, FCC
Assay	99.5 to 100.5%
Lead	≤ 0.5 mg/kg
Oxalate	Passes test
Residue on ignition	≤ 0.05%
Water	≤ 0.5%

Values in the table are typical of the grade. The limits that apply to a given product are those stated on its specification and lot Certificate of Analysis.

Where it is used

• Acidulants, preservatives, antioxidants and mineral fortificants in food and beverages
• Processing aids, leavening agents and firming agents
• Animal feed additives, subject to feed regulations
• Laboratories testing food products that need matched-grade reference materials

How it differs from neighbouring grades

Pharmacopoeial grades (USP, Ph. Eur., IP) often have tighter or different impurity limits and are intended for medicines. Some materials are dual-certified FCC and USP. AR grade can be chemically purer but is not produced under food safety controls and must not be used in food. Technical grade is unsuitable for food. Regulatory approval of an additive for a given food and use level is separate from its grade and varies by country, so buyers must check local food law.

Documentation

For food-grade supplies we can request, where the manufacturer provides them, allergen, GMO, BSE/TSE, halal or kosher statements in addition to the lot COA.

When enquiring, tell us the intended food application and the destination market. That allows us to confirm which specification, whether FCC, JECFA or EU purity criteria, the offered lot is tested against, and which supporting statements are available.