Whats so funny? The back and forth between Rocketman and TTK? I think the main question about clearing up the confusing between Pharma Grade and Food grade is valid, and so is the Jatropha Plant issue in VG.
I was working a project in the field and needed mortar sand. Since I was in the "engineering" department, I could not order said sand, but had to have a purchasing manager order it. I told him that I needed mortar sand, NOT construction sand, but play sand would work. (Play sand is clean and germ free, mortar sand is clean, construction sand is sand and some dirt, so it is like USP=Play, Mortar=Food Grade, Const=Dog Food Grade.) I arrive at the site and there is no sand, so I call the purchasing manager up and ask what the heck is up. He tells me that he ordered play sand, but the label said it was play sand, and could be used in construction, so he sent it back.
Then I had to explain this to the contractor...
How is that not funny?
Pharma grade=USP. Once it is pharma grade, it can be used in human food, dog food, rat food, cow treatments, or whatever. So the round and round is amusing to me.
I'm not sure the Jatropha plant bit is a huge concern in North America's plants, but there seems to be pretty scant information on what the toxicity level is, how to test for it, who tests for it. I couldn't even find where it has ever been detected in this part of the country. Yes, it is something to look out for as the FDA said. (The FDA has also been known to say that smoking cigarettes is safer than vaping, so believing everything from them would not be the wisest course.)
