FDA and brass fitting

[Bigga]

It would make life a *lot* easier if I could allow my beer to flow through two brass fittings. My reading of FDA rules (links below) is that as long as some fermentation will occur following contact with brass, the fittings are allowable.

The brass would contact beer during the bottle-filling process, and bottle-fermentation would occur following this contact. Does anyone have reason to believe brass fittings are not allowed in this circumstance?

Thanks for any thoughts.

---

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/FoodCode2009/ucm188064.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/FoodCode2009/ucm189212.htm

[MatthewS]

Why not just get the same fittings in stainless steel?

Then you don't risk leaching and having an issue with FDA... not that they will be coming by the brewery anytime soon.

Just curious though... what kind of fitting is it?

Funny though... that the FDA has no problem with brass faucets at the taps. Hate those things though... always look dirty to me. Some call it character, I called it a non beer friendly material.

[Chris Garrett]

Brass fittings contain lead.

Brass contains lead as an aid to enable machining of parts. To "seal/remove" surface lead, use a 2-to-1 volume ratio of Acetic Acid (Vinegar) to H2O2(Hydrogen Peroxide). However, with use lead will find it's way to the surface. Use stainless...