Castor Oil (Food Grade)

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Castor Oil (Food Grade) is a pale yellow, viscous vegetable oil derived by cold pressing the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Known for its high content of ricinoleic acid, it has a mild flavor and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. As a food-grade oil, it is purified to meet strict quality and safety standards. It serves both as a laxative agent and a food additive, often used in flavor carriers, coatings, and processing aids. The oil’s high stability and low moisture content also make it suitable for specialty industrial applications in food-safe environments.

Description

Uses

Primary Uses

Food & Beverage Industry

  • Used as a food-grade carrier oil for flavors and colorants

  • Acts as a mold inhibitor in food packaging and coatings

  • Used in the manufacture of food-grade lubricants for processing equipment

  • Serves as a release agent in baking and confectionery applications

  • Utilized in certain flavor formulations, especially in chewing gums and candies

  • Functions as a processing aid in food-grade formulations and supplements

Pharmaceuticals

  • Employed as an oral stimulant laxative due to its ricinoleic acid content

  • Used as a base or excipient in soft gel capsules and emulsions

  • Found in topical medications and skin ointments for moisturizing and barrier protection

Nutraceuticals

  • Added to dietary supplements for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties

  • Used as a carrier in oil-based vitamin and herbal blends

Secondary Uses

Cosmetic and Personal Care

  • While primarily food grade, it is also used in personal care where food-grade certification is required (e.g., lip balms)

Industrial Applications (Food-Contact Safe)

  • Used in food-processing lubricants and greases that may have incidental food contact

Included in the formulation of biodegradable packaging materials

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Botanical Source: Ricinus communis

  • Common/Trade Name: Castor Oil (Food Grade)

  • INCI Name: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

  • CAS Number: 8001-79-4

  • HS Code: 1515.30

  • Synonyms: Castor Bean Oil, Ricinus Oil

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Viscous liquid

  • Color & Odor: Pale yellow with mild characteristic odor

  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol and organic solvents

  • Main Components: Ricinoleic acid (~85–90%), oleic acid, linoleic acid

  • Viscosity: High

  • Specific Gravity: ~0.960 – 0.970

  • Acid Value: ≤ 2 mg KOH/g (for food grade)

  • Refractive Index: 1.477–1.481

  • Iodine Value: 82–88

  • Peroxide Value: ≤ 10 meq/kg

  • Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage

Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • GHS Classification: Not hazardous under normal use conditions

  • Toxicity: Non-toxic; approved for internal use under food-grade conditions

  • Allergen Information: Not classified as a major allergen

  • Exposure Limits: Not applicable for normal use

Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in clean, dry, and cool conditions away from sunlight

  • Container Type: Food-grade HDPE drums, IBCs, or stainless steel containers

  • Shelf Life: Up to 2 years if stored in sealed, uncontaminated conditions

  • Handling Precautions: Use sanitary and food-safe handling procedures

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Complies with FDA regulations for food additives and pharmaceutical use

  • Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA

  • Conforms to specifications in major pharmacopeias (USP, BP)

  • Food-grade certified under relevant food safety and GMP standards

Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

  • Ecotoxicity: Low ecological impact under normal use

Bioaccumulation: Not expected

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE Required: Gloves recommended for large-volume handling

  • Handling Guidelines: Ensure containers are closed and clean to prevent contamination

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Not typically hazardous; move to fresh air if irritation occurs

  • Skin Contact: Wash with water if irritation develops

  • Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water; seek medical attention if discomfort persists

  • Ingestion: Safe in regulated quantities; consult physician in case of overdose

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures

  • Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, foam

  • Special Precautions: Use full protective gear if involved in large fire

Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide and other hydrocarbons