# (e)-2-hexenyl Formate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/e-2-hexenyl-formate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/e-2-hexenyl-formate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 53398-78-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

(E)-2-hexenyl formate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and fresh notes to food products. It is not approved as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA but has not been associated with reported adverse events or recalls.

## 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 (E)-2-hexenyl Formate?

(E)-2-hexenyl formate, identified by CAS number 53398-78-0, is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the ester class of flavor chemicals. It is composed of a formate group attached to an E-2-hexenyl chain. This compound is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant, contributing fruity, green, and fresh aromatic characteristics to food and beverage products.

The "E" designation refers to the trans configuration of the double bond in its molecular structure, which influences its sensory properties and reactivity.

## Common Uses

(E)-2-hexenyl formate is employed in the formulation of flavoring systems for various processed foods and beverages. Its typical applications include:

- Fruit-flavored beverages and drinks
- Dairy products such as yogurts and flavored milk
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and snack foods
- Dessert flavoring systems
- Ready-to-eat meal components

The compound is used at very low concentrations, typically measured in parts per million (ppm), as is standard practice with most synthetic flavoring agents. Its fruity profile makes it particularly valuable in formulations attempting to replicate or enhance natural fruit flavors.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with (E)-2-hexenyl formate consumption, and no product recalls have been linked to this ingredient. This absence of incident reports suggests a favorable safety profile in practical use.

However, it is important to note that this compound has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation from the FDA. GRAS status is typically granted to substances that have a long history of safe use or have undergone comprehensive safety review. The lack of GRAS status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates that a formal safety petition has not been submitted to the FDA or that such a petition has not yet been approved.

The compound's safety profile must be evaluated considering:

- Its chemical structure and metabolic pathway
- Typical dietary exposure levels (typically very low due to flavoring use rates)
- Absence of acute toxicity signals in available data
- Its classification as a synthetic ester, a compound class with generally established safety precedents

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, (E)-2-hexenyl formate may be used as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations, though without explicit GRAS approval. The FDA's regulatory framework allows certain flavoring substances to be used based on the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) determinations and other safety assessments, even without formal GRAS status.

Regulatory status varies internationally. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies maintain separate evaluations of flavor compounds. Food manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with regulations in each market where products are sold.

The ingredient appears in flavoring supplier catalogs and is used in commercial food production, indicating acceptance by regulatory authorities in major food-producing regions.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses (E)-2-hexenyl formate in isolation. As with many flavor compounds used at extremely low concentrations, comprehensive toxicological studies may not be publicly available or necessary given:

- Extremely low dietary exposure levels from flavoring use
- Chemical similarity to other approved ester-based flavorings
- Absence of adverse event reports or safety signals

The safety assessment of flavoring compounds often relies on structural similarity to established safe compounds, metabolic fate studies, and historical use data rather than extensive animal testing.

Researchers studying volatile flavor compounds and their sensory characteristics have documented the organoleptic properties of (E)-2-hexenyl formate, confirming its fruity aroma profile.

For current safety information, industry professionals and consumers can reference FDA flavor ingredient databases and the FEMA GRAS list, though direct contact with regulatory agencies may be necessary for the most current status updates.

## 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. "(e)-2-hexenyl Formate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/e-2-hexenyl-formate. Accessed 2026-05-19.