# 2-ethyl-(3 Or 5 Or 6)-mop(85%) And 2-methyl-(3 Or 5 Or 6)-mop(13%)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977044-47-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

2-ethyl-(3 or 5 or 6)-MOP and 2-methyl-(3 or 5 or 6)-MOP is a synthetic flavoring agent composed primarily of ethyl and methyl methoxypyrazine isomers. It is used in food manufacturing to provide desired flavor characteristics, particularly in processed foods and beverages.

## 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-ethyl-(3 or 5 or 6)-MOP and 2-methyl-(3 or 5 or 6)-MOP?

2-ethyl-(3 or 5 or 6)-MOP (methoxypyrazine) and 2-methyl-(3 or 5 or 6)-MOP comprise a synthetic flavoring ingredient mixture. The formulation contains approximately 85% ethyl isomers and 13% methyl isomers, with the remainder consisting of other components. Methoxypyrazines are aromatic organic compounds characterized by a pyrazine ring structure with methoxy substituents. These compounds are known for their potent aromatic properties and are used in minute quantities in food formulations.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is employed in the food industry as a flavoring agent or adjuvant—meaning it enhances or modifies the sensory profile of food products. Methoxypyrazines are particularly valued for imparting earthy, roasted, or vegetable-like notes to foods and beverages. Such compounds may be found in processed foods, baked goods, snacks, seasonings, and savory food products where these flavor profiles are desired. The specific isomer mixture is formulated to achieve particular flavor outcomes in commercial food manufacturing.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with this additive, and no food recalls have been linked to its use. This lack of adverse event reports suggests that, based on available surveillance data, the ingredient has not been associated with consumer health complaints or safety incidents in the United States.

However, it is important to note that the absence of reported adverse events does not constitute formal FDA approval. The lack of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status indicates that this additive has not undergone the standard FDA safety review process that results in an official GRAS determination. GRAS status is typically granted through either FDA evaluation of a petition submitted by a manufacturer or through consensus of qualified scientific experts in the field.

Methoxypyrazines as a class have been studied for their organoleptic properties and some toxicological characteristics. The compounds are used at very low concentrations in foods, which is typical for flavoring agents. Exposure levels from food use are generally expected to be minimal. However, without specific toxicological data on this particular mixture formulation, a comprehensive safety profile cannot be definitively established.

## Regulatory Status

This additive does not have FDA GRAS status. This means it operates in a regulatory gray area in the United States—it may be used in foods if the manufacturer believes it meets safety standards, but it has not received formal FDA safety clearance through the GRAS notification process or premarket approval. The additive's regulatory status may vary in other countries or regions, as different jurisdictions maintain different approval processes for flavoring agents.

In the European Union, methoxypyrazines and their derivatives may fall under different regulatory frameworks depending on their specific chemical structure and intended use. Manufacturers seeking to use this ingredient in food products sold in different markets must ensure compliance with applicable local regulations.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature on methoxypyrazines focuses primarily on their flavor characteristics, occurrence in natural foods, and sensory thresholds. Research has documented these compounds in various foods including roasted coffee, nuts, and vegetables, where they contribute to characteristic aromas. Toxicological studies on structurally similar methoxypyrazines indicate low acute toxicity, though comprehensive safety data specific to this particular mixture formulation is limited in publicly available scientific literature.

Further research and formal safety assessment through appropriate regulatory channels would be necessary to establish a complete safety dossier for this specific additive formulation.

## 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-ethyl-(3 Or 5 Or 6)-mop(85%) And 2-methyl-(3 Or 5 Or 6)-mop(13%) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-ethyl-3-or-5-or-6-mop-85-and-2-methyl-3-or-5-or-6-mop-13. Accessed 2026-05-19.