# Cis-4-octenol

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

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 54393-36-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cis-4-octenol (CAS 54393-36-1) is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes fruity and fresh aromatic notes to various food and beverage formulations.

## 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-4-octenol?

Cis-4-octenol is an eight-carbon unsaturated alcohol classified as a flavoring agent. It exists as a clear to slightly yellow liquid with a fruity, fresh aroma reminiscent of fruits and plants. The compound occurs naturally in various fruits and plants, contributing to their characteristic flavors and aromatic profiles. The "cis" designation refers to the spatial configuration of the double bond in its molecular structure, which affects its sensory properties and distinguishes it from its isomeric forms.

## Common Uses

Cis-4-octenol is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent to impart or enhance fruity and fresh notes in products. Its applications typically include:

- Fruit-flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Confectionery and candy formulations
- Baked goods and snack products
- Dairy products including yogurt and ice cream
- Flavored alcoholic beverages
- Personal care and cosmetic products

The compound is valued by flavorists for its ability to provide natural-like fruity characteristics, making it useful in formulations designed to replicate or enhance fruit flavors without relying solely on natural fruit extracts.

## Safety Assessment

Cis-4-octenol has a limited but generally favorable safety profile based on available data. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive, and no product recalls have been linked to its use. The compound's safety is supported by its natural occurrence in foods, which provides historical evidence of safe consumption at the levels typically used in food formulations.

As a flavoring agent, cis-4-octenol is used in very small quantities—typically in the parts per million range—which further supports its safe use in food applications. The low usage levels minimize potential exposure concerns. No serious toxicological studies have raised significant health concerns regarding this ingredient at the concentrations used in food manufacturing.

Dermal and inhalation exposure considerations are relevant for manufacturing and handling environments, though these primarily affect workers rather than consumers of finished food products. Standard industrial hygiene practices are typically adequate for safe handling.

## Regulatory Status

Cis-4-octenol is not listed as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance by the FDA, which means it has not gone through the agency's formal GRAS determination process. However, this designation does not indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS status has not been established through the official FDA review mechanism.

The absence of GRAS status means that products using this ingredient may require pre-market approval or may be marketed under the assumption of safety based on prior use history and the minor quantities involved. Different regulatory jurisdictions may have varying approval statuses for cis-4-octenol. In the European Union, similar flavoring agents undergo evaluation through the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for use in food products.

The presence of zero adverse events and zero recalls in FDA databases suggests that any regulatory concerns are minimal, and the compound has a history of safe use in commercial food products.

## Key Studies

Direct peer-reviewed research specifically focused on cis-4-octenol is limited in the published literature. Most information on this compound derives from:

- Flavor and fragrance industry technical literature documenting organoleptic properties and applications
- General toxicological data on similar eight-carbon organic compounds
- Natural occurrence studies identifying cis-4-octenol in plant and fruit sources
- Manufacturing safety and handling guidelines

The limited formal toxicological research reflects the compound's low-risk profile and minimal regulatory scrutiny, combined with its safe history of use in flavoring applications. Compounds in this chemical class (unsaturated alcohols used as flavoring agents) have been extensively studied collectively, and cis-4-octenol follows established safety patterns for this category.

Future research efforts may provide additional safety data, though current evidence does not indicate any pressing safety concerns that would warrant such studies.

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