Notice from Grain Processing Corporation (GPC) regarding removal of
brucine sulfate from GPC denaturant program
Important News - Notice from Grain Processing Corporation (GPC) regarding removal of
brucine sulfate from GPC denaturant program - April 1, 2007
Brucine sulfate has posed a denaturant dilemma for GPC since 1988 when we
learned that producers in India, the only place we know that produces this
product, extended weak brucine sulfate supplies by adding strychnine at over
100 ppm. Brucine alkaloid and brucine sulfate are class B poisons and although
authorized by the TTB for use in making SDA 40-1 and 40-2, personal products
containing even trace amounts of a class B poison are questionable at best.
GPC has two issues with handling brucine sulfate. There is a distinct safety issue
to our employees in working with this product. We do not feel that we can
continue to put our personnel at risk in handling a poison as a denaturant. We
made a similar decision 15 years ago when we discontinued handling nicotine for
SDA 4 manufacture. Secondly, the quality control for brucine alkaloid and its resulting sulfate salt has
been very inconsistent. The solubility parameter has varied greatly in alcohol.
This solubility parameter is more critical in colder weather. We no longer wish to
deal with an inconsistent quality product as a denaturant for our quality alcohol.
Since GPC makes a significant effort to consistently produce the highest quality
alcohol for our customer’s use, then why would we wish to stake our hard
earned quality reputation on a highly variable denaturant, especially when it’s a
class B poison?
Since there is an excellent proven alternative to brucine sulfate already being
used in the marketplace with success (Bitrex-denatonium benzoate, ie. SDA
40B), we have made the decision to no longer denature with brucine sulfate or
brucine alkaloid effective January 1, 2008. Hopefully this notice will give our
customers sufficient time to evaluate alternative formulations to SDA 40-1 and
40-2. Should you have further questions, please contact your GPC sales representative.
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