What is 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl 2-hydroxypropanoate?
4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl 2-hydroxypropanoate is a synthetic organic compound with the CAS number 930587-76-1. It belongs to the class of flavoring agents used in the food industry to enhance or modify the sensory characteristics of food products. The compound is a derivative structure combining a formyl-substituted methoxyphenyl group with a lactic acid moiety, creating a complex aromatic molecule designed for specific flavor applications.
Common Uses
This flavoring agent is utilized in food manufacturing as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. Due to its complex chemical structure, it likely imparts subtle aromatic notes to food and beverage formulations. Like other synthetic flavor compounds, it would typically be used in small concentrations to achieve desired sensory outcomes. The specific applications and food categories where this compound is used in commercial products are limited in publicly available databases, suggesting it may be used in specialized or niche food applications.
Safety Assessment
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl 2-hydroxypropanoate and zero product recalls involving this additive. This absence of reported incidents suggests either minimal use volume in the food supply, a strong safety profile, or both. However, the absence of adverse event reports does not constitute definitive proof of safety—it reflects the current state of post-market surveillance data available to regulatory agencies.
The compound has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, which means it does not benefit from the abbreviated regulatory pathway available to substances with a long history of safe use. Instead, this additive would require approval through the FDA's food additive petition process or operate under other regulatory frameworks if used in food products.
Regulatory Status
4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl 2-hydroxypropanoate does not hold FDA GRAS designation. This indicates the compound either has not been petitioned for GRAS status, did not meet the criteria for GRAS recognition, or the petition process is ongoing. Manufacturers using this compound in food products would need to ensure compliance with applicable food additive regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
The regulatory status may vary by country. Different regulatory bodies, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international food safety agencies, maintain separate assessments of synthetic flavoring compounds. Manufacturers exporting products containing this ingredient must verify compliance with regulations in target markets.
Key Studies
Public information regarding toxicological studies or safety evaluations specific to 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl 2-hydroxypropanoate is limited in accessible scientific databases. The lack of published research may reflect the compound's specialized use, limited commercial application, or proprietary nature of safety data submitted during regulatory review processes.
For synthetic flavoring agents generally, safety assessments typically evaluate acute toxicity, genetic toxicity (mutagenicity), and chronic toxicity profiles. Such evaluations inform regulatory decisions about acceptable use levels and food categories where these compounds may be permitted. Interested parties seeking detailed safety information should consult the FDA's food additive petition database or contact manufacturers directly for dossier information.