Riboflavin is sold in two physical forms. High-assay crystalline riboflavin, tested to the USP and Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) monographs, is used in food, beverages and supplements. Feed-grade riboflavin is a spray-dried granule containing at least 80% riboflavin, made to flow and blend in vitamin premixes.
The grades at a glance
| Grade | Riboflavin content | Form | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| USP | 98.0–102.0% (dried basis) | Fine crystalline powder | Supplements, food, beverages |
| FCC | Meets Food Chemicals Codex | Fine crystalline powder | Food fortification |
| Feed grade | Not less than 80% | Free-flowing granule | Vitamin premixes, compound feed, pet food |
USP and FCC
“USP” means the lot was tested against the United States Pharmacopeia monograph for Riboflavin and met every requirement in it: assay, identification, specific rotation, loss on drying, residue on ignition and the lumiflavin test. “FCC” means it meets the Food Chemicals Codex monograph.
For food use the FCC reference matters most. Riboflavin’s GRAS affirmation in 21 CFR 184.1695 applies to material that meets FCC specifications. In practice most food-grade riboflavin is tested to both, and the certificate of analysis says so.
A USP designation describes the test standard. It does not by itself make the material a pharmaceutical ingredient. Supplying riboflavin for a drug product also requires an API manufacturing site and, in the United States, normally a Drug Master File.
Feed grade
Feed-grade riboflavin is the same vitamin in a different physical form. The fermentation product is spray-dried, usually with a carrier, into a granule. That solves three problems that crystalline riboflavin causes in a feed mill: it is dusty, it clings to equipment through static, and it is hard to distribute evenly at a few grams per tonne.
The 80% figure is the riboflavin content of the granule. Feed-grade specifications also set particle size and flow, because those decide how well the product mixes. Riboflavin is generally recognized as safe in animal feed under 21 CFR 582.5695.
Which grade to specify
- Tablets, capsules, gummies, food premixes: USP/FCC.
- Enriched flour and cereal premixes: FCC, normally also tested to USP.
- Poultry, swine, aquaculture and pet-food premixes: 80% feed grade.
- Liquids: neither; use riboflavin 5′-phosphate sodium.
Do not substitute feed grade into food or supplements. It is not tested to food specifications, and the carrier is not declared for human use.
See the reference specifications on the riboflavin product page.
This article is general information for business customers. It is not legal or regulatory advice. Confirm requirements for your own products with qualified counsel or a regulatory consultant.