# Cis-6-nonenyl Acetate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 76238-22-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cis-6-nonenyl acetate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and floral notes to food and beverage products. This volatile ester is employed in small quantities as a flavoring agent in various consumer food applications.

## 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-6-Nonenyl Acetate?

Cis-6-nonenyl acetate (CAS Number: 76238-22-7) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It belongs to the chemical family of acetate esters, which are commonly used in the flavor industry. The compound is a volatile liquid with fruity and floral organoleptic properties, making it useful for imparting specific taste and aroma profiles to food products.

## Common Uses

Cis-6-nonenyl acetate is primarily used in the food industry as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. It appears in formulations for beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and other processed foods where fruity or floral notes enhance product appeal. As with most synthetic flavoring compounds, it is used in very small quantities—typically measured in parts per million—to achieve the desired sensory characteristics without overwhelming other flavor components.

## Safety Assessment

The FDA has not granted this additive GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, indicating it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process. However, this does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway chosen by manufacturers using this ingredient. The FDA maintains no record of adverse events associated with cis-6-nonenyl acetate, and no food recalls have been attributed to this compound. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests a favorable safety profile in its current use patterns.

As a synthetic flavoring agent, cis-6-nonenyl acetate would typically be evaluated for safety based on principles established in food toxicology, including assessment of acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, and potential for accumulation in body tissues. The volatile nature of acetate esters generally indicates rapid metabolism and clearance from the body.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of cis-6-nonenyl acetate varies by jurisdiction. While not GRAS-affirmed in the United States, it may be employed under FDA regulations governing food additives and flavoring substances. In the European Union, synthetic flavoring compounds are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which establishes that only evaluated and approved flavoring substances may be used in food.

Manufacturers using this ingredient are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable regulations in their target markets and maintaining appropriate documentation of safety for regulatory authorities if requested.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature specifically investigating cis-6-nonenyl acetate is limited in the public domain. Safety evaluations of structurally similar acetate esters and nonenyl compounds provide relevant context for understanding this additive's potential toxicological profile. The acetate ester chemical class has been extensively studied, with most members demonstrating low toxicity profiles and rapid metabolism.

For flavoring substances not granted GRAS status, safety data may be maintained in proprietary manufacturer files submitted to regulatory agencies under confidential business information provisions. The absence of reported adverse events and recalls provides empirical support for the safety of current usage levels.

## 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-6-nonenyl Acetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-6-nonenyl-acetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.