What is Butyl Anthranilate?
Butyl anthranilate is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer. It belongs to the anthranilate family of compounds, which are esters commonly used in the flavor industry to impart fruity, grape-like, and aromatic characteristics to food and beverage formulations. The compound has the CAS Registry Number 7756-96-9 and is produced through chemical synthesis for use in food flavoring applications.
Common Uses
Butyl anthranilate is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring component. It is commonly added to:
- Fruit-flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Confectionery products
- Flavored yogurts and dairy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Chewing gums and candies
- Juice concentrates and drink mixes
The compound contributes subtle fruity and floral notes that enhance the perceived flavor profile of these products. As a flavoring agent, it is typically used in very small quantities—often measured in parts per million (ppm)—to achieve the desired sensory effect without dominating the overall taste.
Safety Assessment
Butyl anthranilate has not been formally evaluated and approved by the FDA under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) classification. However, the safety profile of this compound is supported by several key factors:
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) shows zero reported adverse events associated with butyl anthranilate consumption. Additionally, there have been no FDA recalls linked to this additive, indicating no documented instances of contamination, mislabeling, or safety concerns in commercial food products containing this ingredient.
The anthranilate family of compounds has been extensively studied, and many members of this chemical class have demonstrated acceptable safety profiles at the levels used in food applications. Butyl anthranilate is used at very low concentrations in food products, which further supports its safety in typical dietary exposure scenarios.
As with all synthetic flavoring agents, the safety of butyl anthranilate is contingent upon its use at appropriate levels as specified by food manufacturers and regulatory guidance. The compound undergoes metabolism and excretion similar to other small organic molecules, with no evidence of bioaccumulation.
Regulatory Status
While butyl anthranilate is not FDA GRAS-approved, it remains available for use in food products in the United States under the indirect food additive regulations. Its use is governed by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under flavor regulations, and manufacturers must ensure its use complies with applicable food safety standards.
The regulatory status reflects the FDA's distinction between GRAS-affirmed substances and other approved food additives. The absence of GRAS status does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it indicates that this particular compound has not undergone the formal GRAS determination process that some widely-used flavor chemicals have completed.
In the European Union and other regulatory jurisdictions, flavoring substances are evaluated through different frameworks, though anthranilate compounds are generally recognized as acceptable flavoring ingredients when used appropriately.
Key Studies
The anthranilate class of compounds has been the subject of toxicological evaluation. Published research on related anthranilate esters supports their use as food additives at typical application levels. Studies examining the metabolic fate of these compounds demonstrate they are readily absorbed and metabolized by standard Phase I and Phase II enzymatic pathways, with no unusual bioaccumulation or persistence.
The extensive history of anthranilate use in flavoring applications, combined with the zero documented adverse events and recalls in commercial use, provides practical evidence supporting the safety of butyl anthranilate when used as a flavoring agent in food products.