# Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 620-79-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity and sweet aromatic notes and is employed in small quantities to enhance flavor profiles in various food and beverage 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 Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate?

Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate (CAS Number: 620-79-1) is a synthetic ester compound classified as a flavoring agent. It belongs to the family of organic compounds used in the food industry to provide or enhance flavor characteristics. The compound consists of an ethyl ester with acetyl and phenylpropyl groups, creating a complex aromatic profile with fruity and slightly sweet characteristics. Like many synthetic flavoring compounds, it is designed to be used in very small concentrations to achieve desired sensory effects.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is utilized primarily in the food and beverage industry to enhance flavor formulations. Common applications include:

- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Beverage flavoring systems
- Dairy products and yogurts
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Savory snack formulations

The compound typically appears in ingredient lists under the general category "artificial flavor" or "flavoring," as regulatory frameworks in most countries do not require listing of individual flavoring components due to proprietary formulation concerns. It is used in very small quantities—typically in the parts per million (ppm) range—to achieve the desired flavor intensity.

## Safety Assessment

Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate has not been designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, the absence of a GRAS designation does not indicate that the compound is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification or approval through the regulatory pathway has not been completed or pursued by manufacturers.

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its use. This suggests no documented safety incidents in the food supply.

The compound exists in a regulatory gray area in the United States. While it may be used in food products, the lack of GRAS status means its use is less common or may be limited to specific applications or jurisdictions. Manufacturers using this ingredient should ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations in their respective markets.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, flavoring compounds are regulated under 21 CFR Part 182 and related regulations. While many flavoring agents receive GRAS status through the FDA's formal notification process or historical precedent, ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate has not achieved this designation.

In the European Union, flavoring compounds are subject to the Flavourings Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. This compound may have different regulatory status in the EU and other jurisdictions compared to the United States. Different countries maintain separate lists of approved flavoring substances, and regulatory approval varies internationally.

Manufacturers and importers should verify current regulatory status in their specific markets before use, as food additive regulations continue to evolve and may vary by region.

## Key Studies

Limited publicly available peer-reviewed research specifically addresses ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate. The compound's safety profile appears to be based primarily on:

- Structural similarity to other approved ester flavoring compounds
- Absence of reported adverse events in regulatory databases
- General toxicological principles applied to synthetic flavor compounds used in minute quantities

The lack of documented safety studies and regulatory approval suggests either limited historical use or restricted application. Manufacturers considering use of this ingredient may need to conduct or reference proprietary safety assessments or consult with regulatory toxicologists to ensure compliance with applicable food safety standards.

## 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. "Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-2-acetyl-3-phenylpropionate. Accessed 2026-05-19.