Acetic Acid (Food Grade)

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Food-grade acetic acid is a clear, colorless liquid organic compound with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a high-purity form of acetic acid specifically produced and processed for safe use in food applications. As the main component of vinegar (after dilution), it serves as a critical flavoring agent, pH adjuster, and preservative in the food industry. Food-grade acetic acid typically has a concentration of 80-100% (glacial acetic acid) or is diluted to lower concentrations (4-20%) for specific applications.

Description

Primary Uses

Vinegar Production

  • The most common use; diluted acetic acid (4-8%) is sold as white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and wine vinegar.
  • Used in pickling, sauces, dressings, and condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)

Food Preservation & Pickling

  • Acts as a natural preservative (inhibits bacterial/fungal growth) in pickled vegetables, olives, and canned foods.

Flavor Enhancer & Acidulant

  • Adds tangy/sour taste to snacks, chips, candies, and processed foods.
  • Used in baked goods (as a leavening agent when combined with baking soda).

Bakery & Confectionery

  • Helps in dough conditioning and pH adjustment in bread and pastry production.
  • Used in candy glazes and gelatin desserts for texture control.

Dairy & Cheese Processing

  • Used in cheese making (e.g., mozzarella, cottage cheese) for curd formation.

Secondary Uses

Beverage Industry

  • Adjusts acidity in soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages.

Meat & Seafood Processing

  • Helps in meat curing and marination (enhances tenderness and shelf life).
  • Used in seafood preservation to prevent spoilage.

Food Packaging & Sanitization

  • Applied as a disinfectant for food-contact surfaces in factories.
  • Used in biodegradable food packaging materials.

Dietary Supplements

  • Found in apple cider vinegar (ACV) capsules for health benefits.

Animal Feed Additive

  • Used in livestock feed to improve digestion and prevent microbial growth.

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES

. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ethanoic acid
  • Common/Trade Names:
  • Food-grade acetic acid
  • Vinegar acid (when diluted)
  • Glacial acetic acid (concentrated, ≥99%)
  • HS Code: 2915.21.00 (varies by country)
  • Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂ (CH₃COOH)
  • Synonyms:
  • Methanecarboxylic acid
  • Ethylic acid
  • E260 (EU food additive code)

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid (concentrated form is "glacial" due to freezing tendency)
  • Color & Odor: Pungent vinegar-like odor
  • Melting Point: 16.6°C (61.9°F) (solidifies at low temps)
  • Boiling Point: 118.1°C (244.6°F)
  • Density: 1.049 g/cm³ (25°C)
  • Solubility:
  • Miscible in water, ethanol, ether
  • Insoluble in nonpolar solvents (e.g., hexane)
  • pH Level: Strongly acidic (~2.4 at 1.0 M)
  • Vapor Pressure: 15.7 mmHg (25°C)
  • Flash Point: 39°C (102°F) (closed cup)
  • Autoignition Temperature: 427°C (801°F)
  • Viscosity: 1.22 mPa·s (25°C)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS):
  • Corrosive (Category 1B)
  • Flammable (Category 3)
  • Skin/Eye Irritant (Category 1)
  • NFPA Ratings:
  • Health: 3
  • Flammability: 2
  • Reactivity: 0
  • Exposure Limits:
  • OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
  • ACGIH TLV: 10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
  • Reactivity:
  • Corrosive to metals (releases hydrogen gas)
  • Reacts violently with oxidizers (e.g., perchlorates, chromic acid)

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions:
  • Store in a cool, ventilated area (<25°C)
  • Keep containers tightly sealed (prevents absorption of moisture)
  • Avoid stainless steel (316 grade recommended for tanks)
  • Incompatible Materials:
  • Strong bases (e.g., NaOH), oxidizers, cyanides
  • Container Type:
  • Food-grade polyethylene (HDPE) or glass
  • Stainless steel (for bulk storage)
  • Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly (but may absorb water over time)
  • Special Handling:
  • Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), goggles, and ventilation
  • Food-grade handling requires FDA-compliant equipment

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulatory Status:
  • FDA (USA): GRAS (21 CFR 184.1005)
  • EFSA (EU): Approved (E260)
  • JECFA: ADI = "Not specified" (safe at typical use levels)
  • Hazard Symbols (GHS):
  • Corrosion
  • Flame (for concentrated forms)
  • Transportation Restrictions:
  • UN Number: 2789 (for >80% acetic acid)
  • Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
  • Packing Group: II
  • Waste Disposal:
  • Neutralize with baking soda before disposal
  • Follow EPA/RCRA guidelines (D002 for corrosivity)

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity:
  • Low toxicity to aquatic life (LC50 > 100 mg/L for fish)
  • Readily biodegradable
  • Persistence in Environment:
  • Breaks down rapidly in water/soil (days)
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
  • IARC: Not classified
  • NTP/OSHA: No carcinogenic risk
  • Biodegradability: >90% in 28 days (OECD 301B)

 

SAFETY HANDLING

1. Safety Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Gloves (nitrile or neoprene for concentrated solutions).
  • Safety goggles or face shield (essential for glacial acetic acid).
  • Lab coat or apron to prevent skin contact.
  • Respirator (if handling concentrated vapors in poorly ventilated areas).

Handling & Storage:

  • Work in a well-ventilated area (use fume hood for glacial acetic acid).
  • Avoid contact with strong oxidizers (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid) → risk of violent reaction.
  • Store in corrosion-resistant containers (HDPE, stainless steel, or glass).
  • Keep away from heat and ignition sources (glacial acetic acid is flammable at high concentrations).
  • Label containers clearly to prevent misuse.

Hygiene Measures:

  • No eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after use.
  • Avoid inhalation of vapors (can irritate respiratory tract).

2. First Aid Measures

Inhalation (Vapors):

  • Move to fresh air immediately.
  • If breathing is difficult, give oxygen and seek medical attention.

Skin Contact:

  • Dilute acetic acid (<10%): Rinse with water for several minutes.
  • Glacial acetic acid (concentrated):
  • Remove contaminated clothing.
  • Rinse immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Seek medical attention if burns or severe irritation occur.

Eye Contact:

  • Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes (hold eyelids open).
  • Seek immediate medical help (risk of corneal damage).

Ingestion:

  • Do NOT induce vomiting (risk of re-exposure and esophageal damage).
  • Rinse mouth with water.
  • Drink milk or water to dilute (if conscious).
  • Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

3. Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards:

  • Glacial acetic acid (≥99%) is flammable (flash point: 39°C / 102°F).
  • Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
  • Reacts violently with oxidizers (e.g., chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide).

Suitable Extinguishing Media:

  • Alcohol-resistant foam
  • CO₂
  • Dry chemical powder
  • Water spray (to cool containers, but do not use water jet—may spread flames).

Firefighting Precautions:

  • Wear SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and full protective gear.
  • Cool nearby containers with water spray to prevent rupture.
  • Ventilate area to prevent vapor accumulation.