# Cis-3-nonen-1-ol

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 10340-23-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cis-3-nonen-1-ol is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity and floral notes and is employed in small quantities to enhance the sensory profile of beverages, confections, and other food items.

## 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 Cis-3-nonen-1-ol?

Cis-3-nonen-1-ol (CAS Number 10340-23-5) is an aliphatic alcohol classified as a flavoring agent. It is a nine-carbon chain compound with a hydroxyl group and a double bond in the cis configuration. This compound occurs naturally in various fruits and plants, contributing to their characteristic aromatic profiles. In food manufacturing, it is synthesized for use as a flavoring adjuvant to replicate or enhance natural fruit and floral flavors.

## Common Uses

Cis-3-nonen-1-ol is utilized primarily in the flavor industry as a component of complex flavoring formulations. Its applications include:

- Beverage flavoring (fruit juices, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products
- Savory snacks and condiments

The compound typically appears in finished foods at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), as is standard for flavoring agents. It functions as a flavor enhancer or modifier rather than a primary flavoring ingredient, working synergistically with other components in proprietary flavor blends.

## Safety Assessment

Cis-3-nonen-1-ol has not been formally affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, meaning it does not have explicit FDA approval through the GRAS notification process. However, this designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS documentation may not have been submitted or completed with the FDA.

The safety profile of cis-3-nonen-1-ol appears favorable based on available data:

- No adverse events have been reported to the FDA related to this additive
- No product recalls have been issued due to cis-3-nonen-1-ol contamination or safety concerns
- The compound's chemical structure is consistent with other approved flavoring alcohols
- Its use at typical flavoring concentrations (very low ppm levels) minimizes potential exposure

As with most flavoring agents, the margin of safety is established through the principle that flavoring substances are used in minimal amounts sufficient only to achieve the desired sensory effect. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains evaluations of similar flavoring compounds, and cis-3-nonen-1-ol falls within chemical classes that have been subjected to safety assessments.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, cis-3-nonen-1-ol is listed in the FDA's database of flavoring ingredients. While it lacks a formal GRAS affirmation, it may be used under the Food and Drug Administration's regulations for flavoring substances and adjuvants if manufacturers can demonstrate its safety for its intended use and maintain appropriate documentation.

The compound is permitted for use in food flavoring applications in various countries, including those within the European Union, where flavoring regulations are stringent. Its presence in international flavor ingredient databases indicates acceptance by multiple regulatory bodies.

Manufacturers using cis-3-nonen-1-ol are required to:
- Maintain records of its use and concentration levels
- Ensure it meets food-grade purity standards
- Comply with good manufacturing practices (GMP)
- Disclose its presence on ingredient labels where required by local regulations

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed safety studies specifically focused on cis-3-nonen-1-ol appear in the scientific literature, which is typical for minor flavoring components. Safety assessment of this compound relies primarily on:

- Chemical class evaluation (aliphatic alcohols with established safety profiles)
- Natural occurrence data and traditional use history
- Toxicological screening consistent with standards established by international flavor industry bodies
- Absence of adverse event reports in regulatory databases
- Metabolism patterns consistent with similar compounds

The flavor industry's self-regulatory body, the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI) and similar organizations, conducts evaluations of flavoring substances based on available toxicological data, chemical structure analysis, and intended use patterns. These evaluations inform manufacturers and regulatory agencies about appropriate safety margins for flavoring ingredients.

## 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. "Cis-3-nonen-1-ol — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-3-nonen-1-ol. Accessed 2026-05-19.