# Amyl Butyrate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 540-18-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Amyl butyrate is an organic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in food products to provide fruity, banana-like sensory notes. It is not approved as a food additive by the FDA but may be used in certain flavoring preparations under specific regulatory frameworks.

## 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 Amyl Butyrate?

Amyl butyrate (CAS Number 540-18-1) is an organic ester compound composed of amyl alcohol and butyric acid. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fruity aroma reminiscent of bananas and pears. The compound occurs naturally in small quantities in various fruits and fermented foods, though it is primarily synthesized for commercial flavoring applications.

## Common Uses

Amyl butyrate is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer, primarily in:

- Confectionery and candy products
- Beverage formulations
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products
- Flavoring compounds and mixtures

The compound is valued for its ability to impart fruity, ester-type flavors that enhance the sensory profile of processed foods. It is typically used in very small concentrations, as is standard practice with flavor compounds.

## Safety Assessment

Amyl butyrate has not generated adverse event reports in the FDA database, and no food recalls have been associated with this ingredient. The absence of reported adverse events suggests it has not been identified as causing harm at typical use levels.

As an ester, amyl butyrate is structurally similar to naturally occurring compounds found in fruits and fermented beverages. Like many flavor compounds, it is used at minimal concentrations in finished food products, which limits potential exposure.

The compound undergoes metabolism similar to other short-chain esters, being hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract into its component parts (amyl alcohol and butyric acid), which are further metabolized through standard biochemical pathways.

## Regulatory Status

Amyl butyrate is not on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, meaning it has not received formal GRAS determination. However, this classification does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification has not been submitted or completed for this particular compound.

In the European Union, amyl butyrate may be used as a flavoring substance under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which governs flavorings in food. This suggests acceptance in some regulatory jurisdictions for use in flavoring preparations.

The regulatory approach to amyl butyrate reflects the framework for flavor compounds, which are typically regulated differently from food additives due to their use in minimal quantities and the extensive history of similar esters in food applications.

## Key Studies

Limited published research specifically addresses amyl butyrate safety, consistent with the general approach to flavor compounds. Safety evaluation typically relies on:

- Chemical structure analysis and comparison to approved esters
- Historical use data in food applications
- Metabolic studies of related compounds
- Acute toxicity data from animal studies

The lack of reported adverse events in food use and the absence of regulatory warnings suggest that amyl butyrate has not raised safety concerns at typical exposure levels. However, comprehensive modern safety studies specific to this compound are not readily available in public databases.

When evaluating flavor compounds, regulatory agencies consider that these substances are used at extremely low concentrations and that the human body has established metabolic pathways for processing similar esters found naturally in foods.

## 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. "Amyl Butyrate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/amyl-butyrate. Accessed 2026-05-19.