# 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic Acid

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic-acid
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic-acid.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 1113-60-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic acid (also known as methylglyoxal or pyruvic acid derivative) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes to the sensory profile of foods through its chemical properties as a flavoring adjuvant.

## 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 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic Acid?

3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic acid is an organic compound with the CAS number 1113-60-6. It belongs to the class of alpha-hydroxy acids and functions as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in food manufacturing. This compound is characterized by the presence of both a hydroxyl group and a ketone group in its molecular structure, which influences its chemical reactivity and sensory properties.

## Common Uses

This additive is used in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent or adjuvant, meaning it may enhance, modify, or contribute to the overall flavor profile of food products. Flavoring adjuvants are typically used in small quantities and work in conjunction with other flavoring compounds to achieve desired taste characteristics. The specific applications would depend on the food category and the desired sensory outcome, though detailed commercial use data is limited in public databases.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic acid. This suggests no documented safety incidents in the U.S. food supply related to this compound. However, it is important to note that the absence of reported adverse events does not necessarily indicate comprehensive safety data has been generated. The lack of an FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation indicates that this additive has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process, which typically requires substantial scientific evidence of safety.

Limited toxicological data appears to be publicly available for this specific compound in food applications. Safety assessment would ideally consider acute and chronic toxicity studies, genotoxicity testing, and potential metabolic pathways in humans. The structural similarity to other organic acids suggests it may undergo metabolic breakdown in the body, though specific metabolism studies for this compound would be needed to confirm this.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic acid does not have GRAS status with the FDA, meaning it cannot be marketed as a GRAS substance without specific pre-market approval or notification. To be legally used as a food additive in the U.S., it would require either an FDA food additive petition and approval, or compliance as a component of another approved substance. Different regulatory frameworks apply in other jurisdictions; the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate assessments for food additives used in the European Union.

Manufacturers or importers wishing to use this additive in food products would need to verify its regulatory status in their specific markets and comply with all applicable regulations before commercial use.

## Key Studies

Public scientific literature on 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic acid used specifically as a food flavoring agent appears limited. Most available research on this compound focuses on its chemistry and potential industrial applications rather than food safety applications. Comprehensive toxicological studies specific to food use would be necessary to establish a robust safety profile. Interested parties seeking detailed safety information should consult primary scientific literature, regulatory databases, or manufacturers who may have commissioned proprietary safety studies for food applications.

## 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. "3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic Acid — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic-acid. Accessed 2026-05-19.