# 6-hydroxycarvone

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

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 51200-86-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

6-hydroxycarvone (CAS 51200-86-3) is a naturally-derived organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant to enhance or modify taste profiles in various food and beverage applications.

## 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-hydroxycarvone?

6-hydroxycarvone is an organic compound with the CAS number 51200-86-3. It belongs to the class of naturally-occurring flavor compounds derived from plant sources. The molecule is a hydroxylated derivative of carvone, a monoterpene ketone found in essential oils of caraway and spearmint plants. As a flavoring agent, 6-hydroxycarvone is used to impart or enhance specific taste and aroma characteristics in food products.

## Common Uses

6-hydroxycarvone is utilized in the food industry as a flavoring adjuvant, meaning it works alongside other flavor components to create or modify desired sensory profiles. It may be incorporated into beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and other processed foods where flavor enhancement is desired. Like many complex flavor compounds, it is typically used in very small quantities—often measured in parts per million—to achieve the intended flavor effect without overwhelming other taste components.

## Safety Assessment

From a regulatory and safety perspective, 6-hydroxycarvone has not generated adverse events or recalls documented by the FDA. The absence of reported safety incidents does not automatically indicate comprehensive safety data, but rather reflects the lack of identified safety problems in commercial use. The compound has not been formally designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or been included in FDA's GRAS affirmation list.

The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it may reflect that manufacturers have not pursued formal GRAS designation, or that the compound may be used under different regulatory frameworks. Some flavoring compounds are permitted under existing regulations without requiring explicit GRAS determination.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of 6-hydroxycarvone varies by region. In the United States, while not officially GRAS-designated, it may be used as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations that permit certain flavor compounds based on historical use or established safety profiles. The FDA's Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 182) provides frameworks for flavoring substances that have a history of safe use.

In the European Union, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) maintains separate evaluation processes for food flavorings. The regulatory landscape for specific flavor compounds can differ between jurisdictions, and manufacturers must ensure compliance with applicable regulations in each market where their products are sold.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature is available specifically focused on 6-hydroxycarvone's safety or efficacy. The compound's use relies partly on its structural relationship to carvone, which has a longer history of food use and study. Carvone itself has been evaluated as a flavoring substance by food safety authorities in multiple jurisdictions.

The absence of extensive published studies on 6-hydroxycarvone specifically should be interpreted cautiously. Many flavor compounds are used in food at very low concentrations where traditional toxicological studies may not be prioritized if there is no indication of safety concerns. The zero reported adverse events to the FDA suggests that any use has not generated safety signals in the marketplace.

For manufacturers and consumers seeking additional safety information, contacting the specific food producer or requesting regulatory documentation may provide more detailed specifications about how this compound is used and what safety assessments have been conducted internally.

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