What is Cherry Bark, Wild, Extract?
Cherry Bark, Wild, Extract is a flavoring ingredient derived from the bark of Prunus serotina Ehrh., commonly known as the wild black cherry or rum cherry tree. This extract is obtained through processing the inner bark of the tree and contains naturally occurring compounds that contribute cherry and almond-like flavor notes. The extract is classified as a natural flavoring agent and is identified by CAS Number 84604-07-9 in chemical databases.
Common Uses
This extract is utilized primarily in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer. It appears in various products including:
- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs and spirits
- Non-alcoholic flavored beverages
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Flavored syrups and concentrates
The extract provides both flavor intensity and subtle complexity to formulations where cherry or subtle almond undertones are desired.
Safety Assessment
Cherry Bark, Wild, Extract has not been formally affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA through the formal petition process. However, this designation does not indicate that the ingredient is unsafe. Many natural flavor extracts operate in the food supply without formal GRAS affirmation, particularly those with limited but accepted historical use.
According to FDA adverse event reports, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this ingredient. Additionally, the FDA database contains zero recalls involving Cherry Bark, Wild, Extract, suggesting no known safety incidents in commercial food products.
The extract is derived from Prunus serotina bark, which has been used traditionally in various applications. Prunus species contain naturally occurring compounds, and processing of the bark extract reduces the concentration of potentially problematic compounds while retaining flavor-active constituents.
Regulatory Status
Cherry Bark, Wild, Extract is permitted for use as a flavoring agent in the United States under FDA regulations governing natural flavoring substances. While it lacks formal GRAS affirmation, it is used in compliance with FDA's regulations for natural flavors established under 21 CFR Part 182.
Regulatory acceptance varies internationally. The ingredient may have different approval statuses in the European Union, Canada, and other jurisdictions. Manufacturers exporting products containing this ingredient should verify compliance with specific regional regulations.
The lack of formal GRAS status does not restrict its use but may require documentation of safety and manufacturing practices by food manufacturers employing the ingredient.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature is specifically focused on Cherry Bark, Wild, Extract as a food additive. Safety data for this ingredient derives primarily from:
- General toxicological profiles of Prunus serotina constituents
- Historical use data in traditional applications
- Manufacturing and processing safety documentation
- The absence of adverse event reports in commercial use
The extract's safety profile is consistent with other natural flavor extracts derived from tree bark materials. Most safety concerns related to Prunus species historically involve cyanogenic glucosides in seeds or leaves rather than bark extracts used for flavoring purposes.
Research on related Prunus species extracts demonstrates that properly processed bark extracts used at typical flavoring concentrations (generally less than 0.1% in finished products) present minimal toxicological concern.