What is Food Chemical Codex (FCC) Grade Diatomaceous Earth?
Food Chemical Codex (FCC) grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a specific standard applied to DE products used in the food industry. DE itself is a naturally occurring, soft, sedimentary rock made from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms called diatoms. These tiny fossils are composed of amorphous silica, and when processed into a fine powder, they have numerous applications. The FCC is a set of standards for the purity of food-grade chemicals, and while FCC grade DE has met these high specifications, its primary food-related purpose is as a filtering or processing aid.
Amorphous vs. Crystalline Silica
The safety of any DE product for human use hinges on the form of silica it contains. Amorphous silica, the form found in high-quality food-grade and FCC grade DE, is largely non-toxic and passes through the body without being absorbed. In contrast, crystalline silica, which is created by heat-treating (calcining) DE, is a known health hazard and can cause serious lung diseases like silicosis if inhaled. Industrial or pool filter-grade DE contains high concentrations of this dangerous crystalline silica and is not safe for human or animal consumption under any circumstances. FCC grade DE is specifically processed to ensure it contains less than 1% crystalline silica, making it safe for its designated uses.
Regulatory Status and Labeling Confusion
A significant source of confusion for consumers is the interpretation of labeling. When a product is labeled as "Food Chemical Codex Grade," it means it is of a high enough purity to be used in certain food-related processes. However, this does not automatically mean it is registered or approved for direct human consumption as a dietary supplement. The “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) status that some interpret as approval for ingestion actually refers to its use as a filtering aid, where it is later removed from the final product. For a DE product to be sold as a dietary supplement for human consumption in the U.S. or Canada, it must undergo separate, more stringent testing and registration with the FDA or CFIA. Consumers should be wary of products that market themselves solely on their FCC or GRAS status for direct ingestion.
Intended Uses of FCC Grade DE
While direct supplementation is not its primary function, FCC grade DE has several legitimate applications:
- Food Processing: It is commonly used as a filtration aid to clarify liquids such as beer, wine, juices, and cooking oils, trapping fine particles during production. It is also used as an anti-caking agent for powdery food items like sugar, flour, and spices to improve flow and prevent clumping. In these applications, the DE is physically removed from the final product.
- Animal Feed: Used as an anti-caking and flow aid in livestock feed, with regulations typically limiting its inclusion to no more than 2% of the total diet.
- Pest Control: Its microscopic, sharp edges can dehydrate and kill insects by damaging their exoskeletons, making it a natural insecticide. It is used in agricultural settings and indoors to control pests like fleas, ants, and cockroaches.
- Cosmetics and Medicine: Due to its abrasive and absorbent qualities, it is used in some toothpaste and exfoliating cleansers.
Food Processing Aid vs. Dietary Supplement
This table highlights the crucial differences in how FCC grade DE is used in food processing versus its unsupported use as a dietary supplement:
| Aspect | FCC Grade DE as Food Processing Aid | FCC Grade DE as Dietary Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Filtration, anti-caking, flow aid | Detoxification, digestion, bone health (unproven) |
| Presence in Final Product | Removed from final product | Ingested by consumer |
| Regulatory Approval | Approved for industrial use (FCC, GRAS) | Not specifically registered for this purpose (FDA, CFIA) |
| Safety Basis | Safety relies on inert nature and removal from food | Safety depends on appropriate dosage, inhalation avoidance, and lack of proven efficacy |
| Scientific Evidence | Clear, established industrial application | Anecdotal; lacks sufficient scientific support for efficacy |
Safe Handling and Ingestion Guidelines
For those considering using food-grade (not industrial) DE, even with the unproven health benefits, careful handling is essential.
- Always avoid inhalation: DE is a very fine powder and can irritate the respiratory tract. Wear a dust mask when handling large quantities.
- Use only food-grade: Never use industrial or pool-grade DE for any purpose other than its intended use. Ensure the product is from a reputable source with third-party verification, such as OMRI certification.
- Mix thoroughly with liquid: Since DE does not dissolve, mixing it into water, juice, or a smoothie and drinking it immediately can help minimize grittiness.
- Start with a small dose: Anecdotal reports suggest starting with a teaspoon per day and gradually increasing to a tablespoon if tolerated. Always drink plenty of water.
- Consult a healthcare provider: Before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication, speak with a doctor.
Conclusion
While products labeled Food Chemical Codex grade diatomaceous earth meet high standards for purity, this standard applies to its use as a food processing aid and not necessarily for direct human ingestion as a supplement. The safety for humans depends heavily on the grade and intended use. Food-grade DE (which aligns with the amorphous silica requirements of FCC grade) is considered safe for incidental ingestion in small amounts. However, significant health claims surrounding it remain scientifically unsubstantiated. The main safety concerns are respiratory irritation from inhaling the dust and the potential for confusion with toxic industrial grades. For human use, it is critical to confirm the product is food-grade, handle it with care to avoid inhalation, and consult a medical professional before use as a dietary supplement. Reputable providers often state that FCC-compliance alone does not equal human-consumption registration.
