What is Food Grade Alcohol?

Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol or drinking alcohol, is alcohol that is safe for human consumption and approved by the FDA for use in the food industry. Ethyl alcohol must meet strict purity standards to be considered safe for indirect food contact applications like sanitization and disinfection.

Production and Grades of Ethyl alcohol

Ethyl alcohol is produced through the fermentation and distillation of sugary plant materials like grains, fruits, or vegetables. The two main grades approved for food use are USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) grade. USP grade alcohol must be at least 95% ethanol concentration, while FDA grade can be as low as 70% but is most commonly 90-95% ethanol. Higher concentrations result in a purer, more effective sanitizing product.

Food Contact Surface Sanitization

One of the most important uses of Food Grade Alcohol is for sanitizing food contact surfaces in production and processing facilities. It is commonly used to sanitize equipment, utensils, work surfaces, food packaging materials and more between uses. Its rapid evaporation rate allows surfaces to air dry quickly without a rinse step. At concentrations of 70% or higher, it is an effective sanitizer capable of reducing 99.999% of most bacteria, molds and yeast within 30 seconds of contact. This helps control cross-contamination and prevents the growth and spread of foodborne pathogens.

Benefits for Sanitization

Beyond its antimicrobial efficacy, ethyl alcohol provides several key benefits for sanitization applications. It is non-toxic, colorless, odorless and leaves no residue once dried. This means sanitized surfaces require no rinsing and are safe for indirect food contact immediately after drying. It also will not corrode or damage equipment over time like other chemicals. Its penetrative power allows it to effectively sanitize textured or porous surfaces that are difficult to clean. And it is very affordable compared to other sanitizers.

Alternative to Hot Water Sanitization

In some food production settings, high-temperature hot water sanitizing may not be possible due to equipment limitations or process sensitivities. Ethyl alcohol provides a suitable alternative for achieving surface pathogen reductions. It can sanitize thermally-sensitive items or areas where steam and hot water equipment cannot be used safely. The rapid evaporation also means minimal heat transfer to processed foods during sanitizing.

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