# Methyl Beta-phenylglycidate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-beta-phenylglycidate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 37161-74-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl beta-phenylglycidate (CAS 37161-74-3) is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart strawberry and fruity notes to food products. It is not approved as a food additive in the United States under the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list.

## 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

## What is Methyl Beta-phenylglycidate?

Methyl beta-phenylglycidate is a synthetic organic compound with the CAS number 37161-74-3. It belongs to the class of compounds known as phenylacetic acid derivatives and is primarily used in the fragrance and flavoring industries. The compound is characterized by its ability to impart strawberry-like and fruity aromatic qualities to food and beverage formulations.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent has been investigated for use in various food products, particularly those requiring strawberry or berry-like flavor profiles. Potential applications include beverages, dairy products, confectionery, and processed foods. However, its actual use in the U.S. food supply is limited due to its regulatory status. In some international markets, the compound may be permitted under different regulatory frameworks, though availability and approved applications vary by country.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there are no adverse events or recalls associated with methyl beta-phenylglycidate reported to the agency. This indicates no documented consumer harm reports linked to its use. However, the absence of adverse event reports does not automatically establish safety; it may reflect limited use in the marketplace.

The lack of FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status suggests that either comprehensive safety data supporting broad food use has not been submitted to the agency, or such data was not found to be sufficient for GRAS determination. To obtain GRAS status, food ingredients typically require either a history of safe use before 1958 or substantial scientific evidence of safety from toxicological and human consumption studies.

## Regulatory Status

Methyl beta-phenylglycidate is NOT on the FDA's GRAS list and therefore cannot be legally used in food products intended for U.S. consumers without specific FDA approval. Manufacturers interested in using this ingredient would need to submit a Food Additive Petition (FAP) to the FDA, which requires comprehensive safety data including toxicology studies, chemistry data, and intended use specifications.

International regulatory approaches differ. Some countries may permit this compound under their respective flavor regulations, though approval status should be verified independently for each jurisdiction. The European Union's food additive regulations, administered by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), have their own approval processes separate from the FDA.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature is readily available on methyl beta-phenylglycidate specifically. Most flavor compounds undergo safety evaluation through confidential industry-sponsored studies submitted to regulatory agencies. Without FDA GRAS status or approved food additive status, formal published safety studies on this compound may be minimal in the public domain.

Flavorings as a category are typically evaluated based on their chemical structure, metabolism, and historical or experimental toxicological data. For phenylacetic acid derivatives generally, safety considerations typically include oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and potential metabolic pathways in the human body.

Manufacturers and researchers seeking to establish safety credentials for this ingredient would need to conduct appropriate safety studies aligned with regulatory guidelines in their target markets. The International Organization of the Flavoring Industry (IOFI) and various regulatory bodies provide guidance on required safety testing protocols for flavoring substances.

## 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 Beta-phenylglycidate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-beta-phenylglycidate. Accessed 2026-05-19.