# Acetanisole

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetanisole
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetanisole.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 100-06-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Acetanisole (4-methoxyacetophenone) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts a subtle, pleasant aromatic note and is employed to enhance or modify flavor 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 Acetanisole?

Acetanisole, also known as 4-methoxyacetophenone or para-methoxyacetophenone, is an organic aromatic compound with the CAS number 100-06-1. It is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a characteristic sweet, anise-like odor. The compound consists of a benzene ring with both a methoxy group (-OCH3) and an acetyl group (-COCH3) attached in the para position relative to each other. Acetanisole occurs naturally in trace amounts in certain plant sources and is synthetically manufactured for use in the flavor industry.

## Common Uses

Acetanisole is primarily used as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in the food and beverage industry. Its applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly anise-flavored spirits and liqueurs
- Baked goods and confectionery products
- Dairy products and ice cream
- Savory food applications where subtle aromatic enhancement is desired
- Fragrance and flavor compound formulations

The compound is valued for its ability to provide depth and complexity to flavor systems without dominating the sensory profile. It typically is used in very small concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), where it functions as an adjuvant to support or enhance other flavor components.

## Safety Assessment

Acetanisole has been evaluated for safety in food applications. The available toxicological data indicates low acute toxicity when ingested. Laboratory studies in animal models have not revealed significant organ toxicity or genotoxic potential at tested dose levels. The compound's long history of use in flavor formulations, combined with the very small quantities used in food products, suggests a low risk profile for consumer exposure.

No adverse events have been reported to the FDA related to acetanisole consumption, and no food recalls have been issued due to its presence. The lack of reported incidents in decades of use provides additional reassurance regarding its practical safety in food applications.

Dermal and inhalation exposure during manufacturing or handling requires standard occupational safety precautions, but consumer exposure through food consumption occurs at negligible levels.

## Regulatory Status

Acetanisole is not currently listed as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, this status does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS affirmation petitions have not been submitted or approved through the official FDA process. Many flavor compounds operate under this regulatory framework, authorized through flavor manufacturer proprietary determinations or through longstanding use in food.

The compound is used in food flavoring systems within the United States and other countries under existing flavor regulations. International regulatory bodies, including those in Europe, have not identified safety concerns with acetanisole at levels used in food applications.

## Key Studies

While acetanisole has not been the subject of extensive published clinical research, available toxicological assessments demonstrate:

- Low acute oral toxicity in standard animal testing protocols
- No significant organ toxicity at tested exposure levels
- Absence of genotoxic potential in standard genetic toxicology assays
- Metabolism and clearance consistent with other simple aromatic compounds

The safety of acetanisole aligns with broader knowledge of structurally similar flavor compounds that have established safety records in food applications. Its use continues under established flavor industry standards and regulatory oversight.

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