Lignosulfonates are noted for their versatility and applicability in a variety of uses. They're found in everything from concrete admixtures to animal feeds. Consequently, it is not surprising that they have nine specific regulatory approvals issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 1997, monographs for calcium lignosulfonate and sodium lignosulfonate were published in the fourth edition of the Food Chemicals Codex (Codex). The first edition of the Codex was published in 1966. It was periodically updated, and in 1992, at the request of the FDA a committee was formed to

"(1) provide information on matters related to the purity of food ingredients used in the United States and shall be knowledgeable of the purity of food ingredients used in other countries; (2) and provide information on foodgrade specifications for food additives. GRAS substances, and any other food substances used as ingredients; and (3) publish specification monographs in a fourth edition of the Food Chemicals Codex."

The Codex, published by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences is designed to establish and publish standards for identity and purity of substances used in food the same way standards for pharmaceuticals are published in the U S P/ N F. Many, but not all, food substance standards are published in U.S. government regulations. When government regulations do not specify standards and limits, the Codex provides this information. The governments of Canada and Australia have adopted as part of the food laws in their countries all Codex monographs.

The monographs for calcium and sodium lignosulfonates provide a wide spectrum of information. This includes a description of the product, identification tests, assay methods, purity requirements -- such as loss on drying and residue on ignition -- as well as packaging and storage suggestions. The Codex lignosulfonate monographs also list detailed analytical procedures to be used in determining reducing sugar and sulfonate sulfur content.

Following is a listing of the FDA and EPA approvals.

Dispersing agent and stabilizer in pesticides for preharvest and postharvest application to bananas

Secondary direct food additives permitted in food for human consumption

Substances for use only as components of adhesives.

Alkyl ketone dimers may contain sodium lignosulfonate as a dispersant.

Lignin Sulfonate and Its Calcium, Potassium and Sodium Salts

Components of paper and paperboard contact with aqueous and fatty foods

Lignin Sulfonate and its Calcium, Potassium and Sodium Salts

Components of paper and paperboard in contact with dry food

Defoaming agents used in the manufacture of paper and paperboard.

Sodium Lignin Sulfonate

Adjuvant for glue. Used as a component of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packaging, processing, transporting or holding food.

Inert ingredient (surfactant) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.

Lignin Sulfonates or a Combination of the Ammonium, Calcium, Magnesium or Sodium Salts
of the extract of Spent Sulfite Liquor ... in either a liquid form (moisture not to exceed 50% by weight) or dry form (moisture not to exceed 6%
by weight).

Pelletizing agent in liquid or dry form (not to exceed 4% of finished pellet weight).

Binding agent in the flaking of feed grains (not to exceed 4% of the flaked grain).

Surfactant in molasses used in feeds as liquid Lignin Sulfonate (not to exceed 11% of the molasses).

Source of metabolizable energy in liquid or dry form (not to exceed 4% of the finished feed).

Substance(s)
Exemptions from the requirements of a tolerance; Lignosulfonate, Ammonium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc Salts. Related adjuvants of surfactants.

Same substances

Approved Use
" ... when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert . . . ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or ... after harvest."

" ... when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert ...ingredients in pesticides formulations applied to animals."