# Alpha-methylbenzyl Alcohol (E1519)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**E-number:** E1519
**CAS number:** 98-85-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol (CAS 98-85-1) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant to enhance or modify taste and aroma profiles in various food 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 Alpha-methylbenzyl Alcohol?

Alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol, also known as phenylethyl alcohol or 1-phenylethanol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H10O. It is a clear to slightly yellow liquid with a mild, pleasant aromatic odor characteristic of floral and fruity notes. The compound exists as two enantiomers (mirror-image forms), and the specific stereoisomer used in food applications may vary depending on the intended sensory profile.

## Common Uses

Alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol is utilized in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. Its aromatic properties make it suitable for enhancing or modifying flavor profiles in:

- Beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Confectionery products
- Baked goods
- Dairy products
- Processed foods requiring flavor enhancement

The compound contributes subtle floral and fruity notes that can complement other flavoring ingredients in formulations. Its use is typically in very small concentrations, as is standard practice with most flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

Alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol has been evaluated for safety in food applications. The substance is not on the FDA's Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list, which means it has not received a formal GRAS determination through the standard FDA process. However, this designation does not indicate that the compound is unsafe; rather, it reflects that a formal GRAS petition or determination has not been completed or published.

The FDA database shows zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls attributable to alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol. This record indicates no documented safety incidents or consumer health complaints related to its use in food products.

Related phenolic and aromatic alcohol compounds have been subject to toxicological evaluation. Such compounds are typically metabolized in the body through standard Phase I and Phase II metabolic pathways, being converted to conjugates for elimination. The aromatic alcohol compound class generally demonstrates low acute toxicity in animal studies when evaluated at standard testing doses.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol varies by jurisdiction:

**United States**: Not designated as GRAS by the FDA. Manufacturers using this ingredient may do so under FDA's food additive regulations if they have conducted appropriate safety testing and documentation, or may petition for GRAS status.

**European Union**: May be permitted under existing flavor regulations, depending on specific use level and food category. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates flavoring substances through established procedures.

**Other Markets**: Regulatory permissions vary by country and region. Manufacturers must verify compliance with local food additive regulations before marketing products containing this ingredient in specific jurisdictions.

Because alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol is not on the FDA's GRAS list, any food product containing it in the United States would need to comply with applicable food additive regulations and may require proper safety substantiation.

## Key Studies

Specific published peer-reviewed studies directly evaluating alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol's safety in food applications are limited in the public scientific literature. However, related research on similar aromatic alcohol compounds and phenethyl alcohol derivatives provides relevant context for understanding this compound's properties and metabolism.

The lack of documented adverse events and recalls in FDA records suggests the compound has not been associated with safety concerns in food use. Any manufacturer using this ingredient would be expected to have conducted appropriate safety assessments and to maintain documentation supporting its safe use at intended 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. "Alpha-methylbenzyl Alcohol (E1519) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-methylbenzyl-alcohol. Accessed 2026-05-19.