# Allyl Thiopropionate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 41820-22-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Allyl thiopropionate is a synthetic flavoring agent used to impart sulfurous and savory notes in food products. It functions as both a flavoring agent and pH control agent, though it is not currently approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA.

## 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 Allyl Thiopropionate?

Allyl thiopropionate (CAS Number: 41820-22-8) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of thio compounds used in food flavoring applications. Its chemical structure contains both an allyl group and a thiopropionate moiety, which contribute to its characteristic sulfurous and savory flavor profile. This additive is designed to provide organoleptically active compounds that enhance the sensory properties of food products.

## Common Uses

Allyl thiopropionate is utilized in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant. Its applications typically include:

- Savory and meat-like flavor enhancement in processed foods
- Seasoning blends and flavor compounds
- Meat and poultry products
- Soups, broths, and savory snacks
- Cheese and dairy-based products

Beyond flavoring, this compound also serves a secondary function as a pH control agent in certain food formulations, helping to maintain optimal pH levels in processed foods.

## Safety Assessment

Allyl thiopropionate has not been assigned GRAS status by the FDA, meaning it has not been formally recognized as generally safe for unlimited use in food. However, it is important to note that the absence of GRAS status does not automatically indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it signifies that comprehensive safety documentation meeting FDA standards has not been submitted and approved.

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with allyl thiopropionate consumption, and zero product recalls have been issued related to this additive. This absence of documented safety incidents suggests a low level of acute toxicity concern at typical use levels.

The compound's safety profile is related to its chemical structure and metabolism. As with other thio-containing flavor compounds, toxicological evaluation would consider factors such as acute toxicity, chronic effects with repeated exposure, potential genotoxicity, and allergenicity. The relatively low usage levels typical for flavor compounds generally limit systemic exposure.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, allyl thiopropionate does not hold FDA GRAS status and therefore must either be approved as a direct food additive through the petition process or used under an existing regulatory framework if applicable. Its regulatory status differs from that of widely approved synthetic flavoring agents.

International regulatory approaches may vary. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval processes for food additives used within the European Union. The specific approval status in other jurisdictions would depend on their individual food safety assessment procedures.

Manufacturers seeking to use this additive in food products must ensure compliance with local and national regulations governing flavoring substances. Any commercial use should be based on appropriate regulatory authorization in the relevant market.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on allyl thiopropionate remains limited compared to more widely used flavor compounds. The absence of extensive published research in peer-reviewed journals suggests this compound has not been the subject of intensive independent safety evaluation studies.

General toxicological data on structurally similar thiopropionate compounds and allyl-containing flavor agents may provide some contextual information for safety assessment, though direct testing of this specific compound would be necessary for complete characterization.

The lack of reported adverse events in FDA databases over its history of use, combined with zero documented recalls, provides observational evidence of apparent safety at current exposure levels, though this does not substitute for formal safety testing and approval.

## 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. "Allyl Thiopropionate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/allyl-thiopropionate. Accessed 2026-05-19.