# Methyl N-acetylanthranilate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-n-acetylanthranilate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-n-acetylanthranilate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 2719-08-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl N-acetylanthranilate (CAS 2719-08-6) is a synthetic flavoring compound used to create fruity taste profiles in food and beverages. It is not approved as a GRAS substance by the FDA and has limited regulatory approval in most jurisdictions.

## 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 N-acetylanthranilate?

Methyl N-acetylanthranilate is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It belongs to the anthranilate family of flavor compounds, which are known for producing fruity, grape-like sensory characteristics. The compound has the chemical formula C10H11NO3 and carries the CAS Registry Number 2719-08-6. Like other synthetic flavorings, it is produced through chemical synthesis rather than derived from natural sources.

## Common Uses

This additive is primarily used in the flavor industry to enhance or create fruity notes in food and beverage formulations. Its grape-like flavor profile makes it particularly suited for:

- Flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Desserts and dairy products
- Flavoring compounds for processed foods

When used, it typically appears as part of a flavoring blend rather than as a standalone ingredient, often listed simply as "natural and artificial flavors" on product labels.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported associated with methyl N-acetylanthranilate and zero product recalls linked to this substance. This absence of reported safety incidents provides a baseline level of reassurance regarding acute toxicity or immediate consumer harm.

However, the lack of reported adverse events should be understood within the context of its regulatory status. Because this compound has not been approved as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the FDA, it has not undergone the comprehensive safety evaluation that GRAS substances typically receive. This distinction is important: absence of reported harm is not the same as approval following formal safety review.

Toxicological data on methyl N-acetylanthranilate is limited in publicly available scientific literature. No major regulatory bodies, including the FDA or European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have published extensive safety dossiers on this specific compound.

## Regulatory Status

Methyl N-acetylanthranilate does not have GRAS status with the FDA, which means it cannot be used directly as a food additive in the United States under the general recognition of safety category. In the European Union, it is not listed among approved flavoring substances in the EU Register of Flavoring Substances.

The regulatory approval landscape for this compound is limited. Its use, where permitted, would typically be restricted to specific jurisdictions with their own flavor additive approval systems. Manufacturers must verify whether this ingredient is legal in the specific countries where their products will be sold.

## Key Studies

Published independent safety studies specifically evaluating methyl N-acetylanthranilate are scarce in peer-reviewed literature. Most information about this compound comes from:

- Industry safety dossiers submitted to regulatory bodies
- Chemical supplier technical data sheets
- General toxicological principles applied to structurally similar compounds

The flavor industry has evaluated various anthranilate compounds, and some structural analogs have undergone formal JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) or EFSA review. However, these evaluations apply to different specific compounds rather than methyl N-acetylanthranilate itself.

Given the limited regulatory approval and absence of comprehensive public safety documentation, consumers in most regions are unlikely to encounter this ingredient in commercially available products. Where it may be used, it would be in jurisdictions with more permissive flavor regulations or in specialty formulations not widely distributed internationally.

## 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 N-acetylanthranilate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-n-acetylanthranilate. Accessed 2026-05-19.