# Amyl Salicylate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 2050-08-0
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Amyl salicylate (CAS 2050-08-0) is an organic compound with a salicylate structure that has been identified in food but lacks a clearly defined functional role in food manufacturing. It is not approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance.

## 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 Salicylate?

Amyl salicylate is an organic ester compound derived from salicylic acid and amyl alcohol. With the CAS number 2050-08-0, it belongs to the salicylate family of compounds. While salicylates occur naturally in many foods including fruits, vegetables, and plant-based products, amyl salicylate appears to be a synthesized or isolated form. The compound has a molecular structure characteristic of esters, which are commonly used in food for flavoring purposes due to their aromatic properties.

## Common Uses

The specific functional use of amyl salicylate in food products remains unclear and not well-documented in regulatory literature. Unlike many approved food additives with well-defined purposes such as preservation, emulsification, or flavoring, amyl salicylate lacks a clearly established primary function in commercial food manufacturing. It may potentially appear in food as a flavoring agent or as a component in flavor compounds, given the aromatic nature of similar esters, but this application is not formally recognized or documented by the FDA.

## Safety Assessment

Limited toxicological data is publicly available for amyl salicylate. The compound has generated zero adverse events reported to the FDA and zero product recalls, suggesting minimal documented harm in actual food use. However, the absence of reported adverse events does not necessarily indicate comprehensive safety testing, particularly given the unclear extent of its use in the food supply.

Salicylates in general are naturally occurring compounds found in many foods and are generally recognized as safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, some individuals with salicylate sensitivity may experience adverse reactions. The specific safety profile of the synthetic or isolated amyl salicylate form may differ from naturally-occurring salicylates and would require toxicological evaluation.

## Regulatory Status

Amyl salicylate is not listed as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the FDA. This classification means it has not undergone the formal FDA approval process or peer-reviewed safety assessment required for food additives. In the European Union, amyl salicylate does not appear on the approved additives list, though the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) maintains strict oversight of food chemicals.

The lack of GRAS status does not automatically indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates that sufficient scientific evidence and regulatory documentation have not been formally submitted or accepted by the FDA to establish its safety for food use.

## Key Studies

Public scientific literature regarding the safety or toxicology of amyl salicylate specifically is sparse. Most available research on salicylate compounds focuses on naturally-occurring forms or examines the compound's chemical properties rather than its safety in food. Toxicological studies on amyl salicylate would be necessary to establish safe exposure levels, metabolic fate, and any potential adverse health effects.

The absence of comprehensive published safety data remains the primary limitation in evaluating this additive. Further research or regulatory submission of safety data would be needed to clarify the compound's safety profile and potential food applications.

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