CFR > Title 21 - Food and Drugs > CHAPTER I—FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES > SUBCHAPTER B—FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (parts 100 to 191) > PART 189—SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED FROM USE IN HUMAN FOOD > SUBPART C—Substances Generally Prohibited From Direct Addition or Use as Human Food (§189.110 to §189.191) > 189.140—Diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC).

189.140—Diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC).

(a) Diethylpyrocarbonate is the chemical pyrocarbonic acid diethyl ester, C6 H10 O5. It is a synthetic chemical not found in natural products at levels detectable by available methodology and has been used as a ferment inhibitor in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
(b) Food containing any added or detectable level of DEPC is deemed to be adulterated in violation of the act based upon an order published in the Federal Register of August 2, 1972 ( 37 FR 15426 ).