# Ethyl 2-acetyloctanoate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-2-acetyloctanoate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-2-acetyloctanoate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 29214-60-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ethyl 2-acetyloctanoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to create fruity and creamy taste notes in processed foods and beverages. This ester-based ingredient functions as a flavoring agent to enhance or modify the sensory profile of food products.

## 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-acetyloctanoate?

Ethyl 2-acetyloctanoate (CAS Number 29214-60-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the ester family of flavoring molecules. It is created through chemical synthesis and does not occur naturally in significant quantities. The compound consists of an ethyl ester with an acetyl group attached to an octanoic acid chain, giving it distinct aromatic properties used in flavor formulation.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is primarily used in the food and beverage industry to create fruity, creamy, and slightly buttery flavor notes. It appears in processed foods including:

- Confectionery and candy products
- Flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Dairy products and ice cream
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory snack seasonings

Typically used at very low concentrations (parts per million), this ingredient functions as part of complex flavor blends rather than as a standalone flavoring. Food manufacturers combine it with other flavor compounds to achieve desired taste profiles.

## Safety Assessment

Ethyl 2-acetyloctanoate has not been approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance. However, this designation does not indicate the ingredient is unsafe; rather, it means the compound has not undergone formal GRAS petition review through FDA channels.

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero product recalls associated with this flavoring agent. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests no known safety incidents in the food supply.

As a synthetic ester-based flavoring, this compound belongs to a broader category of flavor molecules that have been used in food manufacturing for decades. Similar ester compounds are used widely in the flavor industry, though individual compounds vary in their regulatory status.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, ethyl 2-acetyloctanoate operates in a regulated framework but lacks formal GRAS designation. This means:

- It may be used in food products subject to FDA oversight
- Manufacturers must ensure compliance with food additive regulations
- The ingredient does not have explicit FDA pre-approval but may be permitted under other regulatory pathways

The absence of GRAS status should not be conflated with a safety concern. Many legitimate food ingredients function without GRAS designation through alternative regulatory compliance mechanisms.

Regulatory status may vary in other countries and regions. The European Union maintains its own evaluation systems for food additives through EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and this compound may have different approval status internationally.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically addresses ethyl 2-acetyloctanoate in isolation. Most safety information regarding ester-based flavoring compounds comes from:

- General toxicological studies on similar esters and organic compounds
- Industrial safety data sheets from flavor manufacturers
- Regulatory submissions to food safety authorities

The lack of dedicated studies may reflect the compound's narrow use in food manufacturing and its status as one of many synthetic flavoring agents in commercial use. The flavor industry relies on structural similarity to well-studied compounds to establish reasonable safety profiles.

Researchers studying ester-based flavorings generally examine toxicity, metabolism, and potential allergenicity. Standard toxicological endpoints typically include acute toxicity testing and assessment of whether compounds are metabolized and excreted safely by the body.

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