What is Linalyl Anthranilate?
Linalyl anthranilate (CAS Number: 7149-26-0) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of flavoring agents. It is an ester formed from the combination of linalol (a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in essential oils) and anthranilic acid (a benzoic acid derivative). This compound is primarily used in the fragrance and flavoring industry to impart fruity, floral, and slightly sweet sensory characteristics to food and beverage products.
The molecular structure of linalyl anthranilate allows it to interact with taste and smell receptors, making it a potent flavoring agent used in very small quantities. Like many synthetic flavoring compounds, it is designed to mimic or enhance natural flavor profiles that consumers recognize and prefer.
Common Uses
Linalyl anthranilate is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, typically in applications that benefit from fruity or floral notes. Common uses include:
- Beverages, particularly non-alcoholic drinks and flavored waters
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products and yogurts
- Processed snack foods
- Chewing gums
Due to its potency as a flavoring compound, only very small quantities are required to achieve the desired sensory effect. Flavoring agents like linalyl anthranilate are typically used at concentrations measured in parts per million (ppm).
Safety Assessment
Linalyl anthranilate has not been submitted for or granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA. This designation means the compound has not undergone the formal FDA review process for safety confirmation. However, the absence of GRAS status does not inherently indicate that the substance is unsafe.
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with linalyl anthranilate and zero recalls linked to this ingredient. This absence of documented safety incidents suggests that if the compound is in use, it has not generated consumer health concerns significant enough to warrant regulatory action or public health alerts.
The lack of comprehensive published safety data in peer-reviewed literature means that detailed toxicological information about this specific compound is limited. Safety assessments for synthetic flavoring agents typically consider acute toxicity, potential allergenicity, and metabolic fate in the body.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, linalyl anthranilate does not hold GRAS status, which means it operates under different regulatory frameworks depending on its application and market context. Some synthetic flavoring agents are permitted under FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 182) as indirect food additives in specific applications, while others may be used under the threshold of regulation if they meet certain criteria.
The regulatory status of this compound may vary internationally. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval systems for food additives and flavoring substances. Manufacturers using linalyl anthranilate must ensure compliance with all applicable regulations in their target markets.
Any food product containing linalyl anthranilate should be appropriately labeled according to local ingredient disclosure requirements. In most jurisdictions, synthetic flavoring agents must be declared on product labels.
Key Studies
Limited peer-reviewed scientific literature is publicly available specifically addressing linalyl anthranilate's safety profile. Most information about this compound derives from the fragrance industry, where related compounds have been studied more extensively.
Research on structurally similar compounds (linalool derivatives and anthranilic acid esters) suggests these types of molecules are typically metabolized efficiently by the body. However, substance-specific toxicology studies for linalyl anthranilate would be necessary to establish comprehensive safety data.
The lack of regulatory approval or adverse event reports does not constitute a complete safety assessment. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies may have access to proprietary safety data not available in public sources.