# Ethyl Methyl Disulfide

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-methyl-disulfide.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 20333-39-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ethyl methyl disulfide is an organosulfur compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts savory, meat-like, and sulfurous aromatic notes and is commonly employed in processed foods, seasonings, and flavor formulations.

## 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 Methyl Disulfide?

Ethyl methyl disulfide (EMDS) is an organic compound classified as a disulfide, containing a sulfur-sulfur bond linking an ethyl group and a methyl group. Its chemical formula is C3H8S2, with CAS number 20333-39-5. It exists as a volatile liquid with a characteristic sulfurous odor reminiscent of cooked meat, onions, or roasted garlic. The compound is produced through chemical synthesis and belongs to the broader category of organosulfur flavor compounds.

## Common Uses

Ethyl methyl disulfide is used primarily as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in the food industry. Its applications include:

- Meat and savory food flavoring systems
- Processed meat products (sausages, broths, canned meats)
- Cheese and dairy flavoring formulations
- Soup mixes and bouillon products
- Snack food seasonings
- Condiments and sauces
- Pet food flavoring

The compound is valued for its ability to replicate naturally occurring flavors found in roasted, grilled, or fermented foods. It is typically used in very small quantities (parts per million range) due to its potent aroma and flavor profile.

## Safety Assessment

Ethyl methyl disulfide has not been formally approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance. However, the compound has not been associated with adverse events reported to the FDA, and no recalls have been issued related to its use. This suggests it has a history of safe use at approved application levels.

Like other volatile sulfur compounds used in flavoring, EMDS is metabolized by the body through standard xenobiotic pathways, including oxidation and conjugation reactions. The compound is not expected to accumulate in tissues. Acute toxicity studies on structurally similar disulfides have shown low toxicity via oral, dermal, and inhalation routes.

Because EMDS is used in very small quantities as a flavor compound, exposure levels remain far below those used in safety studies. The organoleptic threshold (the concentration at which humans can detect the flavor) is substantially lower than doses that would produce toxicological effects.

## Regulatory Status

Ethyl methyl disulfide is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA, meaning it cannot be used in food without specific regulatory approval or petition. However, it may be used under Food Additive Regulations if included in approved flavoring systems or if covered by existing food additive regulations for flavor compounds.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated structurally related disulfides as flavoring agents. In the European Union, ethyl methyl disulfide may be permitted under the flavoring regulations (EC 1334/2008), which establish safety criteria for flavoring substances used below certain concentration thresholds.

Manufacturers using this ingredient are required to comply with all applicable regulations in their respective jurisdictions and typically maintain usage at levels established through flavor industry safety standards.

## Key Studies

Direct toxicological studies specific to ethyl methyl disulfide are limited in published literature. However, safety assessments of structurally similar disulfide compounds and organosulfur flavor agents indicate:

- Metabolism studies show rapid processing and elimination
- Sensory evaluation establishes very low effective use concentrations
- Analogous compounds demonstrate acceptable safety profiles at intended use levels
- No genotoxic or reproductive effects expected based on structural class assessment

The absence of reported adverse events in FDA surveillance, combined with a lack of recalls, suggests adequate safety margins when used as directed in food applications.

## 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 Methyl Disulfide — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-methyl-disulfide. Accessed 2026-05-19.