# Geranyl Valerate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/geranyl-valerate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/geranyl-valerate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 10402-47-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Geranyl valerate is a synthetic flavoring compound classified as an ester, composed of geraniol and valeric acid. It is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent to impart fruity and floral notes to various food and beverage 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 Geranyl Valerate?

Geranyl valerate (CAS Number: 10402-47-8) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the ester family of flavor compounds. It is formed through the chemical combination of geraniol, a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in rose oil and other essential oils, and valeric acid. This compound is used primarily as a flavoring agent in the food industry to provide fruity, floral, and slightly sweet taste characteristics to processed foods and beverages.

## Common Uses

Geranyl valerate is utilized in various food and beverage applications where fruity and floral flavor profiles are desired. Common uses include:

- Flavoring in confectionery and candy products
- Beverage flavoring in soft drinks and juices
- Dairy product flavoring in yogurts and flavored milk
- Baked goods and dessert mixes
- Chewing gum and mint products
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations

The compound is typically used in small quantities, as flavoring agents are potent and require only minimal amounts to achieve desired taste effects.

## Safety Assessment

Geranyl valerate has been used as a flavoring agent in food products without reported adverse events documented by the FDA. As of current records, there are zero reported adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive in FDA databases. The compound's chemical structure as an ester of naturally-occurring precursors suggests a reasonable safety profile for food applications.

Since geraniol itself is widely recognized as a safe flavoring component in many food products, and valeric acid derivatives are common in food flavoring applications, geranyl valerate represents a generally established flavor compound. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this compound are limited in the publicly available literature.

As with all flavor compounds, geranyl valerate is used at levels far below any threshold of toxicological concern, following the principle that flavoring agents are employed at very low concentrations to achieve sensory effects.

## Regulatory Status

Geranyl valerate is not currently listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. However, its absence from the GRAS list does not indicate any safety concern; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS affirmation petitions may not have been submitted or completed for this particular compound.

The compound may be regulated under FDA regulations permitting flavoring substances that meet specified safety criteria. It is used in food products under regulations allowing synthetic flavoring agents that have established safety records.

International regulatory status varies. Some flavoring compounds are recognized in the European Union's flavor database (EFSA), though specific regulatory classifications for geranyl valerate may differ by region and application.

## Key Studies

While comprehensive toxicological studies specific to geranyl valerate are limited in the open literature, the safety assessment of this compound relies on:

- Chemical structure analysis and relationship to known safe flavoring compounds
- Historical use data and absence of reported adverse events
- The established safety profile of its precursor compounds (geraniol and valeric acid)
- Standard flavoring industry practices and usage levels
- FDA enforcement history showing no safety actions or recalls

The compound's chemical class as an ester of established flavoring components supports its continued use in food applications at established levels. Additional research specific to this compound's toxicological profile may be available through specialized scientific databases or manufacturer technical documentation.

## 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. "Geranyl Valerate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/geranyl-valerate. Accessed 2026-05-19.