There are several grades of high-proof ethanol being sold in the US market.
This page aims to help you understand the important differences.
Please note that FCC and USP are both regulated by US Pharmacopoeia.
FCC – Food Chemical Codex
FCC grade ensures that the ethanol is safe for human consumption, either by drinking or eating. In regards to impurities that naturally occur in distilled alcohols, this is the lowest grade. This grade is currently allowed by US-FDA for WHO sanitizer formulations.
USP – US Pharmacopoeia
USP has two grades, Pharmaceutical Solvent Grade and Standard Grade
Pharmaceutical Solvent Grade ethanol has more strict requirements than FCC grade in regards to acetaldehyde (50 ppm), acetal (50 ppm), and fusels (oily, high-carbon alcohols, 600 ppm). This grade is allowed by US-FDA in sanitizer formulations until December 31, 2020.
Standard Grade ethanol is even more stringent with regards to acetaldehyde, acetal (10 ppm combined) and fusels (300 ppm). This grade is recommended by US-FDA and will be required for sanitizer formulations after December 31, 2020.
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