# Alpha-terpinyl Anthranilate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 14481-52-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Alpha-terpinyl anthranilate (CAS 14481-52-8) is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and floral notes in food and beverage products. This aromatic ester functions as a flavoring agent to enhance taste and aroma profiles in various processed foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Alpha-terpinyl Anthranilate?

Alpha-terpinyl anthranilate is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. It is an ester formed from the combination of alpha-terpineol (a naturally occurring terpene found in essential oils) and anthranilic acid. The compound is characterized by its molecular structure that allows it to provide distinctive fruity and floral aromatic notes when used in food formulations.

This additive belongs to the broader category of synthetic flavor compounds that are designed to mimic or enhance natural flavor profiles in processed foods and beverages. As a volatile organic compound, it contributes primarily through olfactory perception rather than taste receptors.

## Common Uses

Alpha-terpinyl anthranilate is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent in various processed products. Its typical applications include:

- Beverage flavoring in soft drinks and fruit-flavored drinks
- Confectionery and candy formulations
- Dairy products including flavored yogurts and ice cream
- Baked goods and desserts
- Chewing gum and breath fresheners
- Fruit juice concentrates

The compound is generally used at very low concentrations (parts per million range) because of its potent aromatic properties. This means only small quantities are required to achieve the desired flavor enhancement in final food products.

## Safety Assessment

Alpha-terpinyl anthranilate has not been formally reviewed and approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) additive. However, this does not necessarily indicate a safety concern. Many flavoring agents operate under different regulatory frameworks, including the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) GRAS list, which maintains independent safety evaluations of flavor compounds.

According to available FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with alpha-terpinyl anthranilate, and no product recalls have been attributed to this compound. This historical safety record suggests that any potential risks, if present, are not manifesting in the general population at current exposure levels.

The compound's safety profile is consistent with other terpene-derived flavoring agents currently permitted in food products. The use of alpha-terpineol and related terpenes in food flavoring has a long history, which provides additional reassurance regarding safety at established usage levels.

## Regulatory Status

Alpha-terpinyl anthranilate operates in a regulatory gray area in the United States. While not explicitly GRAS-listed by the FDA, the compound may be used under the indirect food additive provisions or through FEMA's independent safety evaluation system. Different regulatory jurisdictions have varying approaches to approval of flavor compounds.

In the European Union, similar flavor compounds are evaluated through the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) process, though specific evaluation status for this particular compound would require consultation of current databases.

The absence of FDA GRAS status does not prevent use in food products if it meets other regulatory pathways or if its use is supported by adequate safety data submitted to regulators. Manufacturers using this ingredient are responsible for ensuring its safety and appropriate labeling.

## Key Studies

Direct published literature on alpha-terpinyl anthranilate is limited in public databases. However, safety assessments for this compound would typically be informed by:

- Toxicological studies on structurally similar terpene compounds
- ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) data on alpha-terpineol and related compounds
- General safety evaluations conducted by FEMA for structurally related flavor compounds
- Decades of safe use history in food flavoring applications

The lack of adverse event reports and recalls in FDA databases over many decades of potential use represents the most significant available safety data point. Continued monitoring through adverse event reporting systems remains an important component of ongoing safety 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. "Alpha-terpinyl Anthranilate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-terpinyl-anthranilate. Accessed 2026-05-20.