# Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl Disulfide

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 109537-55-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is a synthetic flavoring compound containing sulfur that mimics meat, roasted, and savory notes in processed foods. It is not currently approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance, though no adverse events or recalls have been documented.

## 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 Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl Disulfide?

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide (CAS Number: 109537-55-5) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of disulfide-containing flavor compounds. It consists of two heterocyclic ring structures—a furfuryl group and a 2-methyl-3-furyl group—connected by a disulfide (S-S) bond. The compound is designed to provide savory, meaty, roasted, and sulfurous aromatic characteristics to food products.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is used in the food industry to enhance the savory profile of various processed foods, including:

- Meat-flavored snacks and seasonings
- Processed meat products
- Broths, soups, and instant noodle products
- Savory baked goods
- Seasonings and flavor blends
- Ready-to-eat meal components

The compound's sulfur-based structure allows it to replicate the complex aromatic notes found in cooked and roasted foods, making it valuable for products seeking authentic savory flavors without using traditional meat-derived ingredients.

## Safety Assessment

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide has not been evaluated for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA, meaning it does not have blanket approval for use in food in the United States. However, the absence of documented adverse events or FDA recalls associated with this additive indicates that reported safety incidents are minimal or nonexistent in available regulatory databases.

The compound's safety profile depends on several factors:

**Toxicological Considerations**: As a disulfide compound, its metabolic fate in the body would involve reduction to corresponding thiols (sulfur-containing compounds) similar to those found naturally in foods like garlic and onions. The structural similarity to naturally occurring sulfur compounds suggests potential low acute toxicity, though chronic safety data may be limited.

**Regulatory Gaps**: The lack of GRAS status suggests either that formal safety petitions have not been submitted to the FDA, or that submitted petitions have not resulted in affirmative determinations. This differs from approval but does not necessarily indicate safety concerns.

**Flavor Threshold Concept**: Like most flavor compounds, this disulfide is used at very low concentrations (typically parts per million), which significantly reduces exposure and potential risk.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is not on the FDA's GRAS list and therefore cannot be used as a flavoring agent in foods under the presumption of safety. If manufacturers wish to use this compound, they would need to either:

1. Submit a food additive petition to the FDA for formal approval
2. Rely on it being permitted in another jurisdiction with established approval
3. Use it only in specific food categories where alternative regulatory pathways exist

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains its own list of approved flavor substances. Regulatory status in the EU and other countries may differ from FDA determinations.

## Key Studies

Specific published toxicological studies on furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide are limited in the publicly available scientific literature. Safety assessments for such flavor compounds typically rely on:

- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis comparing the compound to known safe or unsafe substances
- Metabolic pathway evaluation based on similar compounds
- Historical use data if the compound has been used in food in other countries
- General toxicology studies if submitted as part of a regulatory petition

The absence of FDA adverse event reports or recalls suggests either minimal use in the U.S. market or a favorable safety profile where reported. Interested parties should consult the FDA's Color Additives Status List and Flavor Inventory for the most current regulatory information.

## 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. "Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl Disulfide — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/furfuryl-2-methyl-3-furyl-disulfide. Accessed 2026-05-19.