# Methyl 4-pentenoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 818-57-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl 4-pentenoate (CAS 818-57-5) is an organic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It is not currently listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, though it has no reported adverse events or recalls associated with its use.

## 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

## Safety Assessment

Methyl 4-pentenoate has not generated any documented adverse events reports with the FDA, and there are no recorded recalls associated with this substance. This suggests a favorable safety history in actual use. However, the absence of adverse events does not automatically equate to established safety; it may also reflect limited widespread use or limited monitoring.

The compound's safety profile would typically be evaluated based on toxicological data, including acute and chronic studies, though detailed published safety assessments for this specific substance are limited in the public domain. Like many flavor compounds, methyl 4-pentenoate would be expected to be used at very low concentrations in food, which generally supports safety margins. The volatile nature of the compound also suggests it may not accumulate in the body to significant levels.

## Regulatory Status

Methyl 4-pentenoate is not on the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS determination process. However, this regulatory classification does not necessarily indicate the substance is unsafe or banned. Rather, it indicates that a formal safety review has not been completed or that the manufacturer has not petitioned for GRAS status.

In the European Union, flavor compounds are regulated under different criteria, with many falling under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. The specific regulatory status of methyl 4-pentenoate in the EU may differ from its U.S. classification. Some flavor compounds used in food may be accepted in certain regions while undergoing different regulatory pathways in others.

## Key Studies

Detailed peer-reviewed safety studies specifically focused on methyl 4-pentenoate are limited in publicly available scientific literature. General flavor compound assessments conducted by bodies such as the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) may provide guidance on structurally similar compounds, but specific data for this particular ester appears sparse.

When evaluating the safety of minor flavor compounds, regulatory agencies typically employ structure-activity relationship (SAR) models to predict safety based on similar compounds with established safety data. The absence of adverse events despite historical use suggests the compound poses minimal acute toxicity risk at food-relevant concentrations.

Further research or formal safety submissions would be needed to establish comprehensive toxicological profiles. Interested parties seeking detailed safety information should consult with the manufacturer or regulatory agencies directly.

## 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. "Methyl 4-pentenoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-4-pentenoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.