21 CFR § 189.165 - Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA).

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s189.165"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 189.165 - Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)."
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "189.165"
section_name: "Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)."
chapter_name: "FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION"
part_number: "189"
part_name: "SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED FROM USE IN HUMAN FOOD"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 321, 342, 348, 371, 381."
regulatory_source: "42 FR 14659, Mar. 15, 1977, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "189"
---


# 189.165 Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA).

(a) Nordihydroguaiaretic acid is the chemical 4,4′-(2,3-dimethyltetramethylene) dipyrocatechol, C<sub>18</sub>H<sub>22</sub>O<sub>4</sub>. It occurs naturally in the resinous exudates of certain plants. The commercial product, which is synthesized, has been used as an antioxidant in foods.

(b) Food containing any added NDGA is deemed to be adulterated in violation of the act based upon an order published in the *Federal Register* of April 11, 1968 (33 FR 5619).

(c) The analytical method used for detecting NDGA in food is in section 20.008(b) of the “Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL,” 13th Ed. (1980), which is incorporated by reference. Copies may be obtained from the AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Ave., suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, 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.*

[42 FR 14659, Mar. 15, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 10114, Mar. 19, 1984; 54 FR 24900, June 12, 1989]