# Linalyl Acetate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 115-95-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Linalyl acetate (CAS 115-95-7) is an organic compound naturally found in essential oils that is used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts floral and fruity notes and is derived from or chemically synthesized to enhance the sensory profile of beverages, confectionery, and other food items.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Linalyl Acetate?

Linalyl acetate is an organic ester compound with the molecular formula C12H20O2. It occurs naturally in the essential oils of various plants, particularly lavender, bergamot, and basil. The compound is characterized by a floral, fruity aroma with slight herbaceous undertones. In food manufacturing, linalyl acetate is used as a synthetic flavoring agent to replicate or enhance these natural flavor characteristics in processed foods and beverages.

## Common Uses

Linalyl acetate is employed in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. It appears in formulations for:

- Beverages (soft drinks, energy drinks, flavored waters)
- Confectionery and baked goods
- Dairy products (yogurt, flavored milk)
- Desserts and frozen treats
- Condiments and sauces

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), as it is highly potent. Food manufacturers select linalyl acetate to achieve specific flavor profiles that consumers associate with natural sources like lavender or citrus.

## Safety Assessment

Linalyl acetate has been extensively studied in toxicology research. According to available data, the compound shows a favorable safety profile:

- The FDA has received zero adverse event reports associated with linalyl acetate
- No food recalls related to this additive have been documented by the FDA
- Acute toxicity studies indicate low oral toxicity in animal models
- The compound is not genotoxic or mutagenic based on standard screening assays
- Dermal and inhalation studies show the substance to be relatively benign at exposure levels relevant to food use

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated similar flavor compounds through its flavor assessment program, noting that esters in this chemical class generally demonstrate acceptable safety margins when used at typical flavoring concentrations.

## Regulatory Status

Linalyl acetate is not currently designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process. However, this designation does not indicate a safety concern. Rather, GRAS status is a specific regulatory determination that some flavor compounds pursue voluntarily. Many flavoring agents used in food are approved through alternative regulatory pathways or historical use without formal GRAS status.

The compound is permitted for use as a flavoring agent in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008. It is listed in flavor databases maintained by regulatory bodies and is subject to purity and identity specifications to ensure consistency and quality.

Manufacturers using linalyl acetate must comply with applicable food additive regulations in their respective jurisdictions and accurately label products containing the additive when required by law.

## Key Studies

Scientific evaluation of linalyl acetate and related esters has demonstrated:

- In vitro and in vivo toxicology studies showing no significant systemic toxicity at food-relevant exposure levels
- Metabolism studies indicating rapid metabolism and excretion in mammals
- Flavor threshold studies establishing the effective concentration range for sensory applications
- Comparative safety assessments placing linalyl acetate among the lower-concern flavoring compounds in its chemical class

The combination of zero reported adverse events, zero recalls, and supportive scientific literature suggests that linalyl acetate, when used as a flavoring agent within established food manufacturing practices, presents a low safety concern to consumers.

## 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. "Linalyl Acetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/linalyl-acetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.