# Methyl Cis-3-hexenoate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-cis-3-hexenoate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-cis-3-hexenoate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 13894-62-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl cis-3-hexenoate (CAS 13894-62-7) is a volatile organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides fresh, fruity, and grassy notes and is employed in small quantities to enhance flavor profiles in various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Cis-3-hexenoate?

Methyl cis-3-hexenoate is a naturally occurring ester compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is a volatile organic compound with the molecular formula C7H12O2. This substance exists naturally in small quantities in various plants and fruits, contributing to their characteristic aroma profiles. In food manufacturing, it is synthesized for use as a flavoring component to provide fresh, green, fruity, and grassy sensory notes.

## Common Uses

Methyl cis-3-hexenoate is used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry, particularly in:

- Fruit-flavored beverages and drinks
- Dairy products including yogurts and flavored milk
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and snacks
- Prepared foods requiring fresh flavor enhancement

Due to its volatile nature and potent aromatic properties, it is typically used in very small concentrations—typically measured in parts per million (ppm)—to achieve desired flavor effects without overwhelming the product's overall taste profile.

## Safety Assessment

Methyl cis-3-hexenoate has not been formally approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance. However, the FDA's adverse event database contains zero reported adverse events associated with this additive, and there are no recorded recalls linked to its use in food products.

The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS determination or food additive petition approval has not been pursued or completed with the FDA. The compound's natural occurrence in foods and its use in extremely small quantities contribute to its general safety profile.

As a flavoring agent, methyl cis-3-hexenoate would typically undergo safety evaluation based on:

- Its chemical structure and metabolic pathway
- Its concentration levels in food products
- Its natural occurrence in food sources
- Cumulative dietary exposure estimates
- Any available toxicological data from similar compounds

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, methyl cis-3-hexenoate is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA. This means products containing this ingredient may be subject to FDA regulations for food additives, though the regulatory pathway can vary depending on how the product is formulated and marketed.

In the European Union, methyl cis-3-hexenoate is recognized as a flavoring substance and is listed in the EU's flavor database. European regulations permit its use under the framework for flavoring substances, where it is considered acceptable for food flavoring purposes at appropriate use levels.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and various international flavor industry standards recognize methyl cis-3-hexenoate as a legitimate flavoring component, suggesting its widespread acceptance in global food manufacturing.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses methyl cis-3-hexenoate in isolation. However, safety assessments of structurally similar esters and naturally occurring volatile compounds indicate that short-chain aliphatic esters generally demonstrate low toxicity when used at typical flavoring levels.

The flavor industry's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established acceptable daily intake (ADI) values for similar flavor compounds, which inform safety assessments for new or lesser-known flavoring agents.

The absence of adverse events in FDA records and the lack of recalls provides empirical evidence of safe use in commercial food products. The extremely low concentration levels at which this compound is used—well below thresholds associated with toxicological concern—further support its safety profile in food applications.

## 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 Cis-3-hexenoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-cis-3-hexenoate. Accessed 2026-05-14.