# Alpha-campholenic Alcohol

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-campholenic-alcohol
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-campholenic-alcohol.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 1901-38-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Alpha-campholenic alcohol is a naturally-derived organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes camphor-like and woody aromatic notes to beverages, confections, and other food items.

## 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 Alpha-campholenic Alcohol?

Alpha-campholenic alcohol (CAS Number: 1901-38-8) is an organic compound classified as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. It belongs to the family of terpene-derived alcohols and exhibits characteristics similar to camphor compounds, making it useful in creating specific aromatic profiles in food formulations. The compound occurs naturally in various plant sources and can be derived synthetically for food applications.

## Common Uses

Alpha-campholenic alcohol is employed in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent in products requiring woody, herbal, or camphor-like sensory notes. Its applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages and spirits
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods
- Savory food products

The compound is used in small quantities to achieve desired flavor profiles and aromatic effects. Its camphoraceous character makes it particularly useful in formulations targeting specific sensory experiences.

## Safety Assessment

Alpha-campholenic alcohol has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. However, the absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns. According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with this additive, suggesting an adequate historical safety profile in food use.

Like many flavoring compounds, safety assessment is typically based on:

- Historical use data
- Toxicological studies
- Metabolic fate studies
- Dose-response evaluations
- Structural similarity to known safe compounds

The lack of adverse event reports indicates that at typical food use levels, this ingredient has not been associated with consumer health incidents. However, manufacturers using this additive must comply with FDA regulations regarding flavoring substances and proper ingredient declaration.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, alpha-campholenic alcohol is not on the FDA's GRAS list, meaning it does not have the regulatory determination of general recognition of safety. Despite this classification, it remains available for use in food products when properly regulated and declared.

The compound's regulatory status differs from GRAS-affirmed ingredients, which means its use may be subject to specific requirements or limitations depending on product type and market. Food manufacturers utilizing this ingredient should ensure compliance with current FDA regulations for flavoring substances and any applicable state or local regulations.

International regulatory approaches may vary, and approval status in other countries may differ from U.S. determinations.

## Key Studies

The scientific literature on alpha-campholenic alcohol remains limited compared to more commonly used flavoring agents. Available information primarily derives from:

- Structural and chemical characterization studies
- Natural source identification research
- Historical use documentation in traditional flavorings
- General toxicological assessments of structurally-related camphor compounds

Research on related terpene alcohols provides supporting information regarding metabolic pathways and safety margins. The absence of regulatory red flags or adverse event reports suggests that existing safety data, while potentially limited in scope, has not raised toxicological concerns at typical use levels in food products.

Further detailed safety assessments may be available through industry submissions or specialized scientific databases, though comprehensive modern toxicological studies on this specific compound may not be publicly available.

## 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. "Alpha-campholenic Alcohol — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-campholenic-alcohol. Accessed 2026-05-19.