Food Chemicals Codex
The Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) is a collection of internationally recognized standards for the purity and identity of food ingredients. It features roughly 1,200 monographs, including food-grade chemicals, processing aids, foods (such as vegetable oils, fructose, whey, and amino acids), flavoring agents, vitamins, and functional food ingredients (such as lycopene, olestra, and short chain fructooligosaccharides). The FCC also contains ingredients, such as sucrose and essential oils, that are not frequently found in other food additive standards resources.[1][2]
The FCC has been published since 1966. It provides essential criteria and analytical methods to authenticate and determine the quality of food ingredients. FCC standards are used as agreed standards between suppliers and manufacturers in ongoing purchasing and supply decisions and transactions. The United States Pharmacopoeial Convention acquired the FCC in 2006. The FCC is published every two years in print and online formats and is offered as a subscription that includes a main edition and intervening Supplements.[1][3][4]
The FCC has two primary sections: monographs and appendices. Monographs are listed alphabetically and typically cover a single ingredient. Monographs, where applicable, provide information about each ingredient, such as:[1][3]
- Chemical Structure
- Chemical Formula
- Chemical Weight
- INS Number
- CAS Numbers
- Function
- Definition
- Packaging
- Storage
- Labeling Requirements
- IR Spectra
There are also several "family" monographs, which cover substance groups. These include "Enzyme Preparations," "Food Starch," and "Spice Oleoresins." Additionally, specifications are included, consisting of a series of tests, procedures for the tests, and acceptance criteria. Monographs may also detail USP Reference Standards and/or other materials needed for test performance. The FCC's appendices contain step-by-step guidance for general physical and chemical tests, and apparatus use, as well as generally useful information, such as food ingredient Good Manufacturing Practices.[1]
Applications
- As of 2013, the United States' Food and Drug administration has incorporated by reference portions of the 7th edition of the FCC.[5]
- Standards in the FCC are called upon to protect consumers against economically motivated adulteration of foods.[6][7]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. "Food Chemicals Codex (FCC)". Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ↑ Natural Products Insider. "New Edition of Food Chemicals Codex Offers New Monographs, Quality Standards". Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- 1 2 Perfumer & Flavorist. "6th Edition of Food Chemical Codex Now Open-Source". Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ↑ Absorbent Products Ltd. "Diatomaceous Earth: What Does Food Chemical Codex Mean?".
- ↑ United States' Federal Register. "Food Additive Regulations; Incorporation by Reference of the Food Chemicals Codex, 7th Edition". Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ↑ Nutritional Outlook. "Dietary Supplements and the Food Chemical Codex: A Look at Tomorrow's Standards for Botanicals". Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ↑ Foodshield. "Tools: Economically Motivated Adulteration Databases". Retrieved 6 December 2015.