# 4-heptanone

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/4-heptanone
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/4-heptanone.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 123-19-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

4-heptanone is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity and nutty flavor characteristics and is employed in various 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

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory landscape for 4-heptanone varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, while not formally GRAS-designated, 4-heptanone can be used as a food additive in flavoring formulations subject to FDA oversight. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated various ketone-based flavor compounds, though specific recent evaluations of 4-heptanone may be limited. In the EU, it may be listed in flavor databases as acceptable for use. Food manufacturers using 4-heptanone must comply with good manufacturing practices and ensure that final food products containing the additive are safe for consumption. The compound is not banned in any major food-producing nations.

## Key Studies

Published research specifically on 4-heptanone is relatively sparse compared to other food additives. Most available data comes from industrial and cosmetic applications rather than focused food safety studies. General toxicology data on structurally similar ketone compounds suggests that such compounds have low toxicity when used in typical food applications. The volatile nature of 4-heptanone means that much of the compound may be lost during food processing or preparation, further reducing actual ingestion. Industry data and manufacturer safety information sheets indicate the compound is handled safely in food manufacturing contexts. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls in FDA databases over many years of use suggests that 4-heptanone has an acceptable safety profile at current levels of use in food products. However, comprehensive modern safety assessments would strengthen the evidence base for this additive.

## 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. "4-heptanone — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/4-heptanone. Accessed 2026-05-19.