# 6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 53398-90-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane is a synthetic flavoring compound used to create tea and woody flavor profiles in food and beverages. It is not approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance but has no documented adverse events or recalls.

## 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-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane?

6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane (CAS Number: 53398-90-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of flavoring agents. It is a structurally modified derivative related to theaspirane, a naturally occurring compound found in tea plants. This additive is used in the flavor industry to replicate or enhance tea-like and woody aromatic notes in food and beverage formulations. The compound is typically produced through chemical synthesis in specialized flavor manufacturing facilities.

## Common Uses

6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane is primarily employed as a flavoring agent in the beverage industry, particularly in tea-flavored products, ready-to-drink beverages, and flavored water formulations. It may also be used in confectionery, baked goods, and other processed foods where tea or woody flavor profiles are desired. The compound is used in very small quantities, as is typical for synthetic flavor compounds, where a little goes a long way in achieving the desired sensory profile.

Because this compound is not FDA GRAS-approved in the United States, its use would be restricted to markets where it has received appropriate regulatory approval. In regions where it is permitted, it would typically be used at levels consistent with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for flavorings.

## Safety Assessment

According to available FDA data, there are no documented adverse events or safety incidents associated with 6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane. Additionally, there are no FDA recalls linked to this additive, suggesting that products containing it have not raised safety concerns significant enough to warrant regulatory action.

The compound's lack of FDA GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that the FDA has not received or approved a GRAS petition for this substance. Many flavoring compounds operate outside the GRAS framework in the United States and are instead regulated under FDA's Food Additive Petition process or other regulatory pathways. In other regions, such as the European Union, similar flavoring agents may be evaluated and approved through different assessment mechanisms.

Like all synthetic flavoring compounds, 6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane would undergo toxicological evaluation if submitted for regulatory approval, which typically includes assessment of acute toxicity, repeated-dose toxicity, and potential genotoxicity or carcinogenicity.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, 6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA. This means it cannot be legally used in foods intended for U.S. commerce without prior FDA approval through a Food Additive Petition or other appropriate regulatory pathway.

The regulatory status of this compound varies by country and region. It may be permitted in flavoring applications in some international markets, particularly in Europe or Asia, where it may be evaluated under different regulatory frameworks. Food manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with the regulations of the specific countries or regions where their products are sold.

## Key Studies

Published toxicological data specifically on 6-hydroxydihydrotheaspirane in peer-reviewed literature is limited. As a specialized synthetic flavoring compound, detailed safety assessments would typically be conducted by manufacturers or flavor companies during the regulatory approval process but may not be widely published in open scientific literature.

The structural relationship to theaspirane, a naturally occurring tea component, suggests a reasonable safety profile, though synthetic derivatives require independent safety evaluation. Any regulatory approval or GRAS petition would require submission of comprehensive toxicological data to regulatory authorities.

For the most current and detailed regulatory information regarding this additive, refer directly to FDA guidance documents or contact relevant regulatory bodies in your region.

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