# 6-decenoic Acid

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/6-decenoic-acid
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/6-decenoic-acid.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 85392-04-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

6-decenoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products. It is not currently approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, though no adverse events or recalls have been associated with its use.

## 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 6-Decenoic Acid?

6-Decenoic acid (CAS Number: 85392-04-7) is a ten-carbon unsaturated fatty acid with a double bond at the sixth carbon position. It occurs naturally in various foods and biological systems, including honey and certain plant oils. The compound belongs to the class of organic acids and is structurally similar to other naturally occurring fatty acids found in nature.

## Common Uses

In the food industry, 6-decenoic acid is utilized primarily as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer. These applications leverage its chemical properties to modify or enhance the sensory characteristics of food products. Like many fatty acids used in flavoring applications, it may contribute to the overall flavor profile, mouthfeel, or aroma of processed foods. The specific food categories and product types using this ingredient remain limited, as its regulatory approval status restricts its widespread adoption in many markets.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with 6-decenoic acid and zero product recalls linked to this ingredient. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests no identified acute safety concerns from consumer exposure at typical use levels.

However, the lack of adverse event reports does not necessarily indicate comprehensive safety data. The limited use of this additive means fewer opportunities for adverse events to be reported compared to widely-used food additives. Toxicological studies specifically evaluating 6-decenoic acid's safety profile appear limited in publicly available literature. The compound's status as a naturally occurring substance does not automatically establish safety, as natural occurrence and food safety approval are separate considerations.

Because 6-decenoic acid is a fatty acid, it would theoretically be metabolized through normal lipid metabolism pathways in the body. However, specific pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies on this particular isomer do not appear to be widely published in accessible databases.

## Regulatory Status

6-Decenoic acid has not been granted Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA. This means the compound does not meet the criteria for GRAS designation, which requires either a long history of safe use or substantial scientific evidence demonstrating safety through appropriate toxicological testing.

Without GRAS status in the United States, manufacturers cannot use this ingredient in food products intended for the U.S. market without prior FDA approval through the food additive petition process. The regulatory pathway for this additive would require submission of safety data, including toxicological studies, to FDA for evaluation.

Regulatory status in other regions, including the European Union, may differ. Some food additives approved in one jurisdiction may be restricted or prohibited in others based on differing safety evaluation standards and requirements.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically evaluating 6-decenoic acid's safety profile appears limited. Most available information on this compound relates to its chemical properties and natural occurrence rather than dedicated safety assessments. The absence of published toxicological studies may reflect limited commercial demand and use.

For regulatory approval, the FDA would typically require acute toxicity studies, subchronic toxicity studies, and potentially chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity studies depending on the proposed use levels and consumer exposure estimates. Such studies do not appear to have been submitted for public evaluation based on available FDA databases.

Researchers and manufacturers interested in expanding the use of 6-decenoic acid would need to develop appropriate safety data packages to support regulatory petitions or GRAS notifications in target markets.

## 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. "6-decenoic Acid — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/6-decenoic-acid. Accessed 2026-05-19.