# Mushroom Oil, Distilled

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 68917-13-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Mushroom Oil, Distilled (CAS 68917-13-5) is a flavoring agent derived from mushroom sources through distillation. It is used in food products to impart mushroom flavor characteristics and is not currently designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

## 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 Mushroom Oil, Distilled?

Mushroom Oil, Distilled is a concentrated flavoring ingredient produced through the distillation of mushroom-derived materials. Identified by CAS Number 68917-13-5, this substance is classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in food applications. The distillation process concentrates volatile and semi-volatile compounds responsible for mushroom aroma and taste characteristics, creating a potent flavoring extract used in very small quantities in food formulations.

## Common Uses

Mushroom Oil, Distilled is employed in the food industry to provide authentic mushroom flavor to various products without requiring whole mushroom ingredients. Its primary applications include:

- Savory seasonings and spice blends
- Processed meat products
- Soups and broth preparations
- Sauces and condiments
- Snack foods and savory chips
- Ready-to-eat meal components
- Umami-enhanced food formulations

The concentrated nature of distilled mushroom oil means manufacturers use minimal quantities to achieve desired flavor profiles, making it a cost-effective flavoring solution for large-scale food production.

## Safety Assessment

Mushroom Oil, Distilled has not been formally designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it does not benefit from the regulatory presumption of safety that GRAS-listed substances enjoy. However, the available safety data is notably positive:

- Zero adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding this additive
- Zero product recalls have been initiated related to Mushroom Oil, Distilled
- The compound has not been the subject of safety warnings or restrictions

The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests acceptable safety when used as intended in food applications. Mushroom flavoring compounds are generally recognized as components of edible mushrooms consumed in normal dietary contexts. The distillation process concentrates these compounds but does not fundamentally alter their chemical nature.

As with all concentrated food additives, appropriate use levels established through food science principles and regulatory guidelines should be maintained to ensure safety.

## Regulatory Status

Mushroom Oil, Distilled's regulatory status reflects its lack of GRAS designation in the United States. This classification means:

- It may be used in food products subject to FDA approval through the food additive petition process
- Manufacturers employing this ingredient should maintain appropriate documentation and compliance records
- Its use is not prohibited, but rather regulated as a food additive pending formal safety determination
- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not issued specific guidance on this particular distilled mushroom oil formulation

The lack of GRAS status does not inherently indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects incomplete formal regulatory review processes. Many safe food ingredients operate under similar regulatory circumstances.

## Key Studies

While specific published studies focused exclusively on Mushroom Oil, Distilled (CAS 68917-13-5) are limited in the public domain, the safety profile can be assessed through:

- General toxicological data on mushroom-derived flavoring compounds
- Historical safe use of mushroom flavoring in food applications
- Chemical composition analysis showing constituents consistent with natural mushroom volatile compounds
- The FDA's adverse event database, which shows no reported incidents
- Absence of recall data associated with this ingredient

The safety of mushroom flavoring compounds is supported by their natural occurrence in foods commonly consumed worldwide. Distillation as a concentration method does not introduce novel chemical structures but rather increases the proportion of naturally-occurring volatile compounds.

Manufacturers and regulatory bodies continue to monitor food additive safety through post-market surveillance systems. The zero adverse event and zero recall record for Mushroom Oil, Distilled contributes to the overall safety assessment of this flavoring agent.

## 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. "Mushroom Oil, Distilled — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/mushroom-oil-distilled. Accessed 2026-05-19.