(a) Sulfuric acid (H2SO4, CAS Reg. No. 7664-93-9), also known as oil of vitriol, is a clear, colorless, oily liquid. It is prepared by reacting sulfur dioxide (SO2) with oxygen and mixing the resultant sulfur trioxide (SO3) with water, or by reacting nitric oxide (NO) with sulfur dioxide and water.

(b) The ingredient meets the specifications of the “Food Chemicals Codex,” 3d Ed. (1981), pp. 317-318, which is incorporated by reference. Copies may be obtained from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20418, or may be examined at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

(c) The ingredient is used as a pH control agent as defined in § 170.3(o)(23) of this chapter and processing aid as defined in § 170.3(o)(24) of this chapter.

(d) The ingredient is used in food at levels not to exceed good manufacturing practice in accordance with § 184.1(b)(1). Current good manufacturing practice results in a maximum level, as served, of 0.014 percent for alcoholic beverages as defined in § 170.3(n)(2) of this chapter and 0.0003 percent for cheeses as defined in § 170.3(n)(5) of this chapter.

(e) Prior sanctions for this ingredient different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.