# Eugenyl Isovalerate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/eugenyl-isovalerate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/eugenyl-isovalerate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 61114-24-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Eugenyl isovalerate is a synthetic flavoring compound derived from eugenol, commonly used to impart spicy, clove-like sensory notes in food products. This organic ester functions as a flavoring agent in various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Eugenyl Isovalerate?

Eugenyl isovalerate (CAS Number: 61114-24-7) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is an ester formed from eugenol, a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in cloves, nutmeg, and other spices, combined with isovaleric acid. The compound is designed to replicate or enhance spicy, warm, and clove-like flavor characteristics in food products.

## Common Uses

Eugenyl isovalerate is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. Its primary applications include:

- Beverages (soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, flavored waters)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Condiments and sauces
- Processed snack foods

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve desired flavor profiles without overwhelming other taste components.

## Safety Assessment

Eugenyl isovalerate has not been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the absence of GRAS designation does not necessarily indicate safety concerns. Rather, it reflects that the compound may not have undergone the formal GRAS notification process or sufficient published scientific review.

The FDA maintains no recorded adverse events or food recalls associated with eugenyl isovalerate consumption. This lack of reported incidents suggests the compound has not been linked to consumer health complaints or safety issues in the marketplace.

As a synthetic flavoring derived from eugenol, eugenyl isovalerate shares chemical similarities with naturally occurring compounds. Eugenol itself has a long history of use in food and traditional medicine, though eugenyl isovalerate represents a modified derivative with distinct properties.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, eugenyl isovalerate is regulated as a synthetic flavoring substance. Without GRAS status, manufacturers using this ingredient must comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations for synthetic flavoring substances, which require safety substantiation and appropriate labeling.

The regulatory landscape for this compound may vary internationally. The European Union maintains a Flavourings Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 that governs flavoring substances, though eugenyl isovalerate's specific status under this framework may differ from U.S. regulations.

Manufacturers considering use of this additive should verify current regulatory requirements in their target markets, as flavoring regulations continue to evolve based on emerging scientific evidence.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on eugenyl isovalerate specifically is limited, reflecting its niche use in food flavoring. Most toxicological data available pertains to eugenol itself and structurally related compounds. Studies on eugenol have generally demonstrated low toxicity at food-relevant exposure levels.

The absence of published adverse event data or epidemiological studies linking eugenyl isovalerate to health effects suggests either minimal historical use levels, good safety margins, or both. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies typically rely on structure-activity relationship assessments and toxicological data from related compounds when evaluating lesser-studied synthetic flavoring agents.

Additional research or safety dossiers may be available to regulatory agencies through confidential manufacturer submissions, though such data are typically not publicly disclosed.

## 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. "Eugenyl Isovalerate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/eugenyl-isovalerate. Accessed 2026-05-19.