# 2,4-nonadienal

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-4-nonadienal.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 6750-03-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

2,4-nonadienal is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It occurs naturally in some foods and is used synthetically to provide savory, meaty, and roasted flavor notes in processed foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is 2,4-Nonadienal?

2,4-nonadienal (CAS Number: 6750-03-4) is an unsaturated aldehyde belonging to the class of organic compounds used in food flavoring. The molecule contains a nine-carbon chain with two double bonds and an aldehyde functional group. This structure gives it distinctive sensory properties that contribute savory, meaty, and roasted flavor characteristics to food products.

The compound exists naturally in small quantities in various foods, including cooked meats, roasted vegetables, and certain fruits. Its presence in naturally heated or processed foods contributes to the complex flavor profiles consumers recognize and expect from these products.

## Common Uses

2,4-nonadienal is primarily employed as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Its main applications include:

- Savory snack foods and seasonings
- Meat and poultry products
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Soup bases and broths
- Processed meat alternatives
- Cheese and dairy products
- Roasted nut flavors

The compound is typically used in very small quantities—often in the range of parts per million—to achieve desired flavor profiles. Its ability to impart complex roasted and meaty notes makes it valuable in creating realistic flavor compounds for both traditional and plant-based food products.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of 2,4-nonadienal has been established through standard toxicological testing. The compound has not been formally approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), though this designation is not required for all flavoring agents.

Key safety considerations include:

- **No reported adverse events**: The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with 2,4-nonadienal consumption
- **No recalls**: No food product recalls have been issued due to this ingredient
- **Typical use levels**: The compound is employed at levels well below those used in toxicological studies
- **Natural occurrence**: The presence of this compound in naturally cooked foods suggests it has a long history of exposure

As with all synthetic flavoring agents, safety relies on appropriate use levels, which are typically established based on standard toxicological test data evaluating acute and chronic exposure.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory pathway for 2,4-nonadienal varies by jurisdiction:

**United States**: While not listed as GRAS by the FDA, the compound may be used under the Food Additives Amendment if appropriately documented. Many flavoring agents operate under provisions for indirect food additives without formal GRAS status.

**European Union**: Flavoring regulations in the EU require that flavoring substances meet established safety criteria before approval.

**Global**: The compound appears in various international flavor ingredient databases and is recognized as a legitimate flavoring agent in multiple food regulatory systems.

Manufacturers using 2,4-nonadienal must comply with labeling requirements in their respective markets, typically listing it as "natural and artificial flavors" or similar general designations when used in food products.

## Key Studies

Safety data for 2,4-nonadienal derives from standard toxicological testing protocols:

- **Structure-activity relationships**: The compound's safety can be understood in part through comparison with other similar aldehydes used in flavoring
- **Acute toxicity testing**: Standard oral toxicity studies establish dose-response relationships
- **Natural context**: Its presence in cooked foods provides evidence of historical safe use
- **Industry databases**: The compound is documented in international flavor ingredient safety databases used by regulatory bodies

The lack of adverse event reports and recalls over decades of potential use provides additional real-world safety data, though controlled epidemiological studies specific to this single ingredient are limited—a common characteristic of minor flavoring ingredients.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "2,4-nonadienal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-4-nonadienal. Accessed 2026-05-12.