What is Methyl Anthranilate?
Methyl anthranilate (CAS Number: 134-20-3) is an organic ester compound belonging to the anthranilate family of flavor chemicals. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic grape-like or fruity aroma. The compound is synthetically produced and is chemically distinct from naturally occurring grape flavor compounds, though it is sometimes described as grape flavoring due to its sensory profile.
Common Uses
Methyl anthranilate is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent. Its applications include:
- Flavored beverages such as grape-flavored drinks and soft drinks
- Confectionery products including candies and gums
- Yogurt and dairy-based products
- Flavoring formulations used by food manufacturers
- As a solvent or vehicle in flavor delivery systems
The compound's grape-like character makes it particularly valuable in applications where grape flavor profiles are desired. It is also utilized in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications beyond the food industry.
Safety Assessment
Methyl anthranilate has been evaluated for food safety purposes, though it does not hold FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the United States. This designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe, but rather that it has not undergone the formal GRAS determination process or manufacturer petition to establish this status.
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with methyl anthranilate and zero product recalls involving this ingredient. This absence of reported incidents suggests a favorable safety profile in current use, though this reflects actual usage patterns and reported problems rather than comprehensive toxicological clearance.
The compound has been used in food applications for several decades, and its long history of use without significant reported safety concerns provides some basis for confidence in its safety margin at typical exposure levels. However, the lack of GRAS status means it operates under different regulatory frameworks depending on jurisdiction.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, methyl anthranilate is not GRAS-listed by the FDA, meaning it does not have blanket approval for general use in foods. Its legal status for use in food products may depend on specific product categories, regional regulations, and manufacturer compliance with applicable food additive rules.
In the European Union, flavor compounds are evaluated through the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Methyl anthranilate may be listed in the EU Flavoring Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which maintains a positive list of approved flavoring substances. Regulatory status can vary between countries and regions, and manufacturers must comply with local regulations where products are sold.
The lack of GRAS status in the U.S. does not prevent use of the substance, but requires appropriate regulatory authorization or compliance with specific use categories and limitations.
Key Studies
Limited published safety data specifically on methyl anthranilate is readily available in open scientific literature, which is typical for flavor compounds that have been in long-standing industrial use. Safety evaluations typically occur through regulatory submissions rather than independent academic research.
General toxicological studies on anthranilate compounds indicate low acute toxicity profiles. The chemical's structural properties suggest low persistence in biological systems and minimal bioaccumulation potential. However, comprehensive chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity data specific to methyl anthranilate would be maintained in proprietary regulatory dossiers rather than published literature.
Manufacturers utilizing methyl anthranilate typically rely on the compound's history of safe use and compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks in their target markets. Ongoing monitoring through adverse event reporting systems provides post-market surveillance data.