Hydrogen peroxide is a compound commonly used for various household and industrial applications. The term “food grade” refers to a specific, higher purity and concentration of this substance, most often 35%. While the brown bottle variety found in pharmacies is typically a dilute 3% solution, the food grade version is distinct due to its strength and purity. This article will guide you through understanding this powerful product, where you can purchase it, and the essential protocols for using it safely.
Defining Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (FGHP) is fundamentally different from the standard 3% solution used for first aid because of its concentration and lack of additives. Standard pharmacy-grade hydrogen peroxide contains chemical stabilizers, such as acetanilide or sodium stannate, added to prolong its shelf life and prevent decomposition. These stabilizers are unsuitable for applications where the product might contact food or where purity is paramount.
The “food grade” designation means the product has been manufactured to exclude these stabilizers, composed solely of hydrogen peroxide and water. This lack of stabilizers makes the product less stable. FGHP is the preferred choice for uses like disinfecting food surfaces, processing certain foods, or in water purification systems. It is most frequently available in a highly concentrated 35% aqueous solution.
This 35% concentration is highly corrosive and is never intended to be used directly or undiluted. The high concentration allows the user to dilute it down to safer, usable strengths while ensuring no unwanted stabilizers are introduced. This concentrated nature requires extreme caution during handling and storage.
Sourcing and Purchasing Options
The search for 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide often leads to specialized retailers rather than typical big-box stores or pharmacies. The two main avenues for purchasing are online specialty chemical suppliers and certain local physical stores. Online retailers specializing in chemicals, health and wellness products, or laboratory supplies are common sources for various volumes of FGHP.
Online vendors frequently offer the product in sizes ranging from small quarts up to multi-gallon cases. When buying online, verify the concentration is explicitly listed as 35% and that the product is certified as “Food Grade” or “FCC” (Food Chemical Codex). Because 35% hydrogen peroxide is classified as a hazardous material due to its corrosive nature, purchasing often involves specific shipping regulations, and a signature upon delivery is often required.
For local purchasing, you may find FGHP at hydroponics supply stores or at chemical supply houses. Some specialized health food stores may also carry smaller bottles, but this is less common for the full 35% concentration. Regardless of the source, always check for proper packaging, such as opaque or dark plastic containers, to ensure the product has been protected from light, which accelerates its decomposition.
Safe Handling and Dilution Protocols
The 35% concentration of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide demands strict adherence to safety protocols. Direct contact can cause severe chemical burns and permanent eye damage. Before opening the container, you must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, such as nitrile, and full-wrap eye protection or safety goggles. Working in a well-ventilated area is also advisable to manage the oxygen gas released as the product naturally decomposes.
When diluting the product, precision and caution are paramount. To create a common 3% solution, you would mix one part of the 35% FGHP with eleven parts of distilled water. For example, to make a gallon of 3% solution, you would combine approximately 11 ounces of 35% FGHP with 121 ounces of distilled water.
It is crucial to always add the concentrated hydrogen peroxide slowly into the water, never the reverse. Adding water to the highly concentrated solution can cause a dangerous, exothermic reaction. Use only distilled water for dilution to maintain purity and prevent the introduction of impurities that could destabilize the solution. The newly diluted solution should be gently swirled for mixing, avoiding vigorous shaking.
Once diluted, the solution should be stored in a tightly sealed, opaque container, kept in a cool, dark location, and secured away from children and pets. Even in its diluted form, the product should not be stored near incompatible materials, such as metals, which can catalyze its breakdown. Always clearly label the new container with the concentration, the date of dilution, and specific safety warnings to prevent any accidental misuse.