# Ethyl Anthranilate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 87-25-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ethyl anthranilate is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products, primarily to impart grape and fruity notes. It is not currently approved as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, though it has no reported adverse events or product recalls associated with its use.

## 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 Anthranilate?

Ethyl anthranilate (CAS Number 87-25-2) is an organic ester compound belonging to the anthranilate family of flavor chemicals. Chemically, it is the ethyl ester of anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid). This compound is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fruity aroma, particularly reminiscent of grape and berry notes. It occurs naturally in trace amounts in various fruits and fermented products, though commercial versions are typically synthesized through chemical processes.

## Common Uses

Ethyl anthranilate is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent. Its principal applications include:

- Grape-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and confections
- Fruit juice blends and flavored drinks
- Dairy products including yogurts and flavored milk drinks
- Baked goods and desserts
- Flavor formulations where fruity or berry notes are desired

The compound is valued in flavor chemistry for its ability to enhance and amplify fruity characteristics in food formulations. Typically, it is used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), as flavoring agents require only trace amounts to achieve their intended sensory effects.

## Safety Assessment

Ethyl anthranilate has an established safety profile in terms of documented adverse events. According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events and zero product recalls associated with this additive. This absence of reported harm over decades of use in food products is a positive safety indicator.

The compound has been studied for potential toxicological effects. As an aromatic ester, ethyl anthranilate belongs to a chemical class that is generally considered to have low systemic toxicity. The limited research available suggests it is metabolized and excreted relatively readily by the body. Like all flavor compounds, it is used at extremely low concentrations, which further reduces any potential health risk.

However, as with any food additive, individual sensitivity or allergic reactions are theoretically possible, though no widespread reports of such reactions exist in the scientific literature or FDA databases.

## Regulatory Status

Ethyl anthranilate is **not currently listed as GRAS** (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This designation does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or that a manufacturer has not submitted a GRAS dossier for FDA review.

In the European Union, ethyl anthranilate is listed as a flavoring substance and is regulated under the EU Flavouring Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. It is included in the EU's approved list of flavoring agents, indicating it has been assessed for safety by European regulatory authorities.

The compound is approved for use as a flavoring agent in various other countries and regions, including Japan and other major food-producing nations. Its presence in international food supply chains demonstrates ongoing regulatory acceptance based on the absence of identified safety concerns.

## Key Studies

While ethyl anthranilate has not been the subject of extensive clinical research, toxicological studies on related anthranilate compounds and similar aromatic esters provide relevant safety information. Studies on flavor compounds in this chemical class have generally demonstrated low acute toxicity and minimal chronic toxicity potential.

The lack of adverse event reports or recalls in FDA databases, combined with its approval in the European Union and other regulatory jurisdictions, suggests that ethyl anthranilate has maintained a safe profile under current conditions of use. The chemical's long history in food applications without documented safety issues represents the primary evidence base for its ongoing use.

## 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 Anthranilate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-anthranilate. Accessed 2026-05-12.