Ethyl Alcohol Food Grade and Ingestion Safety
Question
Are the following two types of Ethyl Alcohol food grade and can they be ingested?
- Ethyl Alcohol (99.9% , 200 Proof, Perfumer Grade)
- Ethyl Alcohol (95%)
Answer
Ethyl Alcohol for Consumption
Regarding the two types of Ethyl Alcohol you asked about:
- Ethyl Alcohol (99.9% , 200 Proof, Research/Perfumer Grade)
- Ethyl Alcohol (96% , Perfumer Grade, Low-Odor)
Both of these products are described as denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol contains additives that make it unsuitable for drinking or direct consumption. While the 99.9% version mentions suitability for "food-related work" and that it "can be eaten when evaporated," this typically refers to uses as a solvent in food processing where the alcohol is removed before the final product is consumed.
Therefore, neither the 99.9% nor the 96% Ethyl Alcohol products are considered food grade for direct consumption or for use in beverages that will be ingested. They are primarily intended for cosmetic, perfumery, or research applications.