What is Lime Oil, Distilled?
Distilled lime oil (CAS Number: 8008-26-2) is a concentrated flavoring ingredient obtained through steam distillation or expression of lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia or Citrus latifolia). The distillation process separates volatile aromatic compounds from the fruit, resulting in a potent liquid flavoring agent. This product is distinct from whole lime juice or lime extract, as distillation selectively concentrates specific flavor-active molecules. The primary constituents include limonene, citral, and other terpenes that provide the characteristic fresh, tart lime flavor profile.
Common Uses
Distilled lime oil serves as a flavoring agent in numerous food and beverage applications. It is commonly used in:
- Carbonated soft drinks and flavored water products
- Alcoholic beverages, including cocktail mixers and spirits
- Confectionery, including candies, gums, and lozenges
- Frozen desserts and ice cream products
- Baked goods and dessert mixes
- Dairy products such as yogurt and flavored milk
- Sauces, dressings, and condiments
- Nutritional supplements and functional foods
The oil is typically used in very small quantities—often measured in parts per million—due to its concentrated nature and potent flavor profile.
Safety Assessment
Distilled lime oil has demonstrated a favorable safety profile based on available data. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive, and there are no documented recalls linked to distilled lime oil in FDA databases. While the substance does not hold formal FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, this does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects the regulatory classification structure for flavoring agents.
Lime oil components, particularly limonene, have been extensively studied in toxicological research. Limonene comprises 40-70% of distilled lime oil composition. Animal studies have not demonstrated significant toxicity at levels far exceeding typical food use exposure. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated similar citrus-derived flavoring agents and generally found them to be safe when used at intended concentrations in food applications.
Skin contact with undiluted lime oil may cause irritation or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals due to furocoumarin content, though diluted food-grade products used as intended present negligible risk. Ingestion of lime oil as a food flavoring agent at normal consumption levels is not associated with documented health risks.
Regulatory Status
Distilled lime oil operates under FDA regulations governing flavoring agents. The FDA maintains that flavoring substances used in food are subject to safety assessment, and many naturally-derived citrus flavoring oils are permitted for use in food products. While specific GRAS designation has not been formally granted for distilled lime oil under the Code of Federal Regulations, its use as a flavoring agent in food is permitted under FDA regulations 21 CFR 182.60 (Natural Flavoring Substances and Natural Adjuvants).
The European Union includes distilled lime oil among permitted flavoring agents in Annex I of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 872/2012. Japan's Food Additives Regulation also permits citrus-derived flavoring oils including lime oil.
Key Studies
Research on lime oil and its primary components supports its safe use in food applications at typical concentrations. Studies on d-limonene, the predominant terpene in lime oil, show it is rapidly metabolized and excreted in humans with no bioaccumulation. Dermal toxicity studies indicate that undiluted lime oil may cause irritation, but food-grade diluted forms pose minimal risk through ingestion. Organoleptic studies demonstrate the flavor effectiveness of very small quantities (0.1-5 ppm in finished products), supporting the use of minimal quantities in food manufacturing.