Rectified Spirit
Rectified spirit is essentially food-grade ethanol. As a beverage component it carries all the standard alcohol risks (IARC Group 1 carcinogen for alcoholic beverages).
What it is
Rectified spirit — highly purified ethanol (typically 95-96% v/v) produced by repeated distillation of fermented liquid.
Solvent / extraction medium / base for spirits / preservative.
Why it's flagged
- alcoholic beverages classified IARC Group 1 carcinogen
- addiction / liver toxicity at chronic high intake
What regulators actually say
"There is sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)."
"Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is generally recognized as safe as a direct human food ingredient when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Ethanol GRAS as flavoring solvent; alcoholic beverages regulated by TTB
European Union — EFSA
Authorized food/extraction solvent under Directive 2009/32/EC
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