# Acetaldehyde Ethyl Cis-3-hexenyl Acetal

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 28069-74-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Acetaldehyde ethyl cis-3-hexenyl acetal (CAS 28069-74-1) is a synthetic flavoring agent used to create fruity and green leaf notes in food products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant to enhance or modify the taste and aroma profile of 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

## What is Acetaldehyde Ethyl Cis-3-hexenyl Acetal?

Acetaldehyde ethyl cis-3-hexenyl acetal is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It belongs to the acetal family of chemicals, which are commonly used in the flavor industry to create complex taste profiles. This particular compound is designed to provide fruity and fresh green leaf aromatic characteristics to food and beverage products. The compound's chemical structure allows it to contribute subtle flavor notes that enhance overall sensory perception without imparting strong individual flavors.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring adjuvant. Its primary applications include:

- Beverage flavoring (non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products and ice cream
- Savory food applications where fruity notes enhance the overall flavor profile

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as is standard practice with synthetic flavor compounds. The actual concentrations used in finished food products are generally in the parts per million (ppm) range or lower, reflecting the potency of flavor compounds.

## Safety Assessment

Acetaldehyde ethyl cis-3-hexenyl acetal has not been formally designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, this designation does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that the compound may not have undergone the formal GRAS notification process with the FDA.

Key safety observations include:

- Zero adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding this additive
- No recalls associated with this compound have been documented in FDA databases
- The compound has been used in food applications without documented safety incidents

The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that any exposure through food consumption has not resulted in documented health problems. As with all synthetic flavor compounds, safety depends significantly on the concentration at which the substance is used in food products.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, acetaldehyde ethyl cis-3-hexenyl acetal is permitted for use as a flavor additive under FDA regulations, though it lacks official GRAS status. This means the compound is accepted as safe for use under established conditions, even without formal GRAS determination. The FDA maintains oversight of flavor additives and their usage levels to ensure consumer safety.

Regulatory acceptance varies internationally. The European Union maintains its own flavor regulations, and approval status may differ from the United States. Manufacturers using this flavoring agent must comply with all applicable regulations in the countries where their products are sold.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses this compound in peer-reviewed databases. The flavor industry relies on structural and chemical property assessments for compounds with similar structural classes (acetals), which generally demonstrate a history of safe use. Acetals as a chemical class have been extensively studied, and their metabolic pathways are well understood.

Flavor compounds in this category are typically evaluated based on:

- Chemical structure and known metabolic pathways
- Concentration of use and exposure estimates
- Comparison with structurally similar compounds with established safety profiles
- Absence of genotoxic or other concerning properties based on predictive models

The lack of specific toxicological studies published on this individual compound reflects its classification as a minor-use flavor ingredient with minimal human exposure at typical use levels.

## 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. "Acetaldehyde Ethyl Cis-3-hexenyl Acetal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetaldehyde-ethyl-cis-3-hexenyl-acetal. Accessed 2026-05-19.