Grades and purity
Food grade
Definition
Material that meets a recognised food additive or food ingredient specification and is made under food safety controls.
Food grade means the product meets a specification accepted under food law, such as the Food Chemicals Codex, JECFA specifications, EU food additive specifications or Indian FSSAI standards, and is made and packed in a way that avoids contamination.
Ask which standard the supplier follows and for the matching certificate of analysis. Food grade claims are usually backed by a food safety management certificate (for example FSSC 22000 or ISO 22000) and, in India, an FSSAI licence.
Related terms
- FCC grade (Food Chemicals Codex)Material that meets the Food Chemicals Codex monograph, a widely used standard for food ingredients.
- FSSAIThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which licenses food businesses including makers and importers of food additives.
- Technical grade (industrial grade)Commercial quality for industrial use, with a basic specification and no food, pharma or lab claims.