Cetylpyridinium Chloride
FDA OTC monograph allows 0.025-0.1% CPC as oral antiseptic with short-term use (up to 7 days). The FDA also permits CPC as a poultry processing antimicrobial (21 CFR 173.375).
What it is
Quaternary ammonium antimicrobial compound (1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride), a cationic surfactant.
Not used in food directly. FDA-approved OTC oral antiseptic for mouthwashes; also a meat/poultry antimicrobial processing aid.
Why it's flagged
- Tooth staining in ~3% of users
- Oral mucosal irritation possible
- Not for ingestion in large amounts
What regulators actually say
"Cetylpyridinium chloride may be safely used as an antimicrobial agent on the surfaces of raw poultry carcasses prior to immersion in a chiller, applied at concentrations not to exceed 0.3 g/lb of carcass."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
OTC oral antiseptic 0.025-0.1%; secondary direct food additive under 21 CFR 173.375 (poultry antimicrobial).
European Union — EFSA
Cosmetic ingredient under EU Reg. 1223/2009 (Annex VI); not an authorized food additive.
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