# Cis-4-hexenal

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-4-hexenal
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-4-hexenal.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 4634-89-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cis-4-hexenal is a volatile organic compound used as a flavoring agent to impart fresh, grassy, and green notes to food products. It is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in various plants and is employed in small quantities to enhance or create specific flavor profiles in processed foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Cis-4-hexenal?

Cis-4-hexenal (CAS Number: 4634-89-3) is a six-carbon aldehyde compound belonging to the class of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It exists as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fresh, grassy, and green aroma. The compound occurs naturally in various plants, fruits, and vegetables, making it a component of natural flavor profiles. In food manufacturing, it is synthesized chemically to ensure purity and consistency for use as a flavoring agent.

## Common Uses

Cis-4-hexenal is primarily utilized in the food industry as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. It is incorporated into a variety of food and beverage products to enhance or create green, fresh, and herbaceous flavor notes. Common applications include:

- Beverages (soft drinks, juices, flavored waters)
- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milks)
- Confectionery and desserts
- Savory products (sauces, condiments, seasonings)
- Processed snacks

The compound is typically used in very small concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), which is standard practice for most synthetic flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

Cis-4-hexenal has no reported adverse events documented with the FDA and no associated recalls in FDA records. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls indicates no safety issues have been raised by consumers or regulatory agencies based on its use in food products.

As a volatile organic compound with a relatively simple chemical structure, cis-4-hexenal does not present obvious toxicological concerns at the levels used in food flavoring applications. The compound is used in extremely small quantities—typical flavoring agent concentrations range from parts per million to parts per billion—which significantly reduces potential exposure and risk.

When ingested, aldehydes like cis-4-hexenal are metabolized by the body through standard detoxification pathways. The small molecular size and volatile nature of the compound suggest rapid metabolism and elimination.

## Regulatory Status

Cis-4-hexenal has not been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA. This designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it means the GRAS petition process has not been completed or was not pursued by manufacturers. Many flavoring agents operate under the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) GRAS list, which provides an alternative regulatory pathway for flavoring substances.

The compound is permitted for use as a flavoring agent in various countries and regions, subject to maximum use levels established by regulatory authorities. In the European Union, similar aldehydes used in flavoring are evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for safety assessment.

Use in foods is restricted to the flavor industry's self-regulating standards and compliance with established maximum usage levels. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of all ingredients used in food products, including proper identification and purity specifications.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses cis-4-hexenal in isolation. However, related aldehydes and volatile compounds in the hexenal family have been studied for their safety profiles. Most research on similar compounds confirms their safety at typical food use levels.

The absence of adverse event reports or recalls, combined with its natural occurrence in foods and its use at minimal concentrations, provides reasonable assurance of safety when used as intended as a flavoring agent. Ongoing monitoring by regulatory agencies and the food industry continues to ensure safety standards are maintained.

## 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-4-hexenal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-4-hexenal. Accessed 2026-05-19.