What is Methyl Myristate?
Methyl myristate (CAS Number: 124-10-7) is an ester compound formed from myristic acid and methanol. It occurs naturally in various plant and animal sources, including nutmeg, dairy products, and certain vegetable oils. In food manufacturing, methyl myristate is synthesized for use as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant, contributing to the sensory profile of finished food products.
Common Uses
Methyl myristate is employed primarily in the flavor and fragrance industry to enhance or modify the taste and aroma of food products. Common applications include:
- Dairy products (butter, cheese, cream)
- Bakery items (cakes, pastries, cookies)
- Confectionery products
- Beverage flavoring
- Processed foods requiring fatty, waxy flavor notes
The compound is typically used in very small concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve desired sensory effects without significantly altering the nutritional profile of foods.
Safety Assessment
Methyl myristate has been evaluated for safety in food applications. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls specifically linked to methyl myristate. No serious toxicological concerns have been identified in available scientific literature.
As a naturally occurring compound found in foods, methyl myristate is recognized as having low acute toxicity. Studies indicate it is readily metabolized in the body through normal fatty acid pathways. The ester structure is broken down into its component parts—myristic acid and methanol—both of which are naturally encountered in the diet at significantly higher levels than would result from flavoring applications.
Dermal and ocular irritation studies show minimal effects at typical exposure levels. Repeated dose studies have not identified organ-specific toxicity concerns at relevant exposure levels.
Regulatory Status
Methyl myristate is not designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA under 21 CFR Part 182 or Part 184. However, this designation does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the additive has not undergone the specific GRAS petition and review process with the FDA.
The compound may be used in food under FDA regulations if it complies with applicable food additive regulations or if it qualifies under other regulatory pathways. It is approved for use in food flavoring in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008.
Manufacturers using methyl myristate in food products must ensure compliance with all applicable food additive regulations in their respective jurisdictions and proper labeling according to regulatory requirements.
Key Studies
While methyl myristate has not been the subject of extensive independent research, its safety profile is supported by:
- General ester metabolism studies demonstrating rapid biodegradation
- Historical food use data for naturally occurring sources
- Acute toxicity studies showing LD50 values consistent with low toxicity
- Structural similarity to widely accepted food ingredients (myristic acid and methanol)
The absence of adverse event reports and recalls in FDA databases, combined with its natural occurrence in food sources and established metabolic pathways, supports a favorable safety profile for use as a food flavoring agent at approved concentrations.