Material Safety Data Sheet: Corn Gluten Meal

Identification

Product Name: Corn Gluten Meal
Chemical Family: Plant-derived protein
CAS Number: 66071-96-3
Intended Use: Animal feed ingredient, fertilizer, herbicide
Supplier Details: Manufacturer information available on request; typically distributed by agricultural supply and feed manufacturers
Emergency Contact: Refer to company or regional poison control center
Synonyms: Maize gluten meal, maize protein, de-oiled maize cake

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Hazard Pictograms: None required
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause mild irritation to respiratory tract and eyes; direct skin contact may cause mild dryness or itching for sensitive individuals
Precautionary Statements: Use in well-ventilated spaces; wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid inhalation of dust; protect against prolonged skin and eye contact; keep out of reach of children and animals not intended as feed recipients
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Corn gluten (protein and carbohydrate fraction from maize)
Percentage: Typically 60-65% crude protein, with remaining constituents being carbohydrates, fiber, and residual oil
Impurities: Trace minerals, moisture, and negligible residual solvents from processing if any (details upon request)
Hazardous Ingredients: None present in hazardous concentrations as per regulatory standards; does not contain allergens other than those specific to maize
Additives: Not commonly present, may contain trace vitamins or minerals if fortified for feed purposes

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove from exposure to fresh air; seek medical attention if coughing or difficulty breathing persists; inhaling excess dust may aggravate asthma or pre-existing lung conditions
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash area thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if redness or irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean running water for 15 minutes; avoid rubbing; remove contact lenses if present; consult a medical professional if irritation does not subside
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting as product is considered non-toxic, but medical attention should be sought for any adverse responses or suspected allergic reaction

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None listed due to nature of product
Combustion Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixtures in air; burning produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potentially other organic gases
Special PPE for Firefighters: Standard protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus for confined or poorly ventilated spaces
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if safe; use water spray to cool exposed surfaces; avoid inhaling smoke or combustion products

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Minimize dust generation; ventilate area; wear appropriate dust mask and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to drains, surface, or groundwater; sweep up spills promptly; product is not acutely toxic but may encourage algal growth in water bodies
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spills into containers for reuse or disposal; wash residue from hard surfaces with water; avoid using compressed air for cleaning
Disposal of Waste: Dispose of material in accordance with local regulations for biodegradable, plant-based products

Handling and Storage

Suitable Handling Practices: Handle in ways that minimize dust; ensure adequate ventilation; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed, labeled containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas; shield from moisture to prevent caking and spoilage
Separation from Incompatibles: Keep away from strong oxidizers as a general precaution
Specific Use Considerations: Implement regular cleaning schedules to prevent dust buildup on surfaces

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: No specific OELs (Occupational Exposure Limits) set; Nuisance dust limits apply (e.g., ACGIH TLV for total dust: 10 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in processing or packaging areas; install dust collection systems where significant dust is generated
Personal Protection: Use safety glasses or goggles for eye protection; wear gloves for prolonged skin exposure; use dust mask or N95 respirator during handling of bulk powders
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water after handling; launder contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine to coarse yellow-brown powder or granules
Odor: Mild, grainy, characteristic of processed corn
pH (5% solution): Typically neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6-7)
Melting/Freezing Point: Not applicable; decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Product forms combustible dust clouds; minimum explosive concentration for dusts varies
Solubility: Insoluble in water; swells and disperses
Density: Around 0.6 to 0.7 g/cm³ (bulk density may vary)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture causes caking; generation of dust in confined spaces may lead to explosion risk
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents may ignite organic matter
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under normal storage; burning yields standard combustion products (CO, CO₂)

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Non-toxic under typical use scenarios for animal and plant applications
Routes of Exposure: Dust exposure may lead to mild upper airway irritation; swallowing large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Skin Irritation: Unlikely except in individuals with plant-related sensitivity
Eye Irritation: May cause mechanical irritation from dust
Chronic Effects: No evidence of sensitization, mutagenicity, or carcinogenic properties

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not hazardous; high organic content may boost microbe or algae populations if discharged into water bodies, potentially causing oxygen depletion
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: No potential for significant bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Product remains near surface, supports soil organisms
Ecological Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering aquatic environments to avoid unintended nutrient loading

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Compost in accordance with municipal or agricultural guidelines; use up as animal feed, fertilizer, or for biogas generation
Special Precautions: None for routine handling; do not burn in open air to limit particulate emissions
Container Disposal: Recycle or wash and reuse containers where possible; follow local, regional, and national regulations for organic material disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods under ADR, IMDG, IATA
Shipping Name: Corn gluten meal, agricultural byproduct
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None
Special Precautions: Avoid dust emission during loading/unloading; secure against moisture and contamination

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Not regarded as hazardous under EU REACH, OSHA, US EPA, or Canada’s WHMIS
Labelling Requirements: No specific hazard labeling required under GHS
Inventory Listings: Included in TSCA inventory, EINECS, and similar regulatory listings
Restrictions: None for intended uses; always confirm compliance for country- or state-specific regulations on animal feeds or agricultural products
Other Information: Ensure accurate record-keeping for traceability in food/feed applications; seek updated regulatory guidance for export markets as needed