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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: nijoel on July 02, 2009, 05:43:11 PM

Title: Is N.F. food grade?
Post by: nijoel on July 02, 2009, 05:43:11 PM

Hello.  Just a few questions?  If a chemical is marked N.F. or national formulary, does that mean it is food grade and is able to be used as medicine or supplements?  What is the difference between USP and N.F.?  Are they interchangeable?   Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Is N.F. food grade?
Post by: Loyal on July 03, 2009, 08:20:16 PM

Quote from: nijoel on July 02, 2009, 05:43:11 PM

Hello.  Just a few questions?  If a chemical is marked N.F. or national formulary, does that mean it is food grade and is able to be used as medicine or supplements?  What is the difference between USP and N.F.?  Are they interchangeable?   Thanks in advance.

 USP (U.S. Pharacopea) and N.F. deal with consumption by humans. In fact they come from the same source.

http://www.usp.org/USPNF/

The NF is put out by the USP.  Here is a little more reading if you are interested.

http://secure.sciencecompany.com/Chemical-Grade-Designations-W53C665.aspx

http://www.usp.org/referenceStandards/

Generally Reagent, Lab, or Technical grades are not suppose to be used in anything that can potentially be consumed by humans.