What is Oak Chips, White, Extract?
Oak Chips, White, Extract (CAS Number: 977083-13-8) is a flavoring substance derived from the wood of white oak trees (Quercus Alba L.). This extract is produced by processing white oak wood chips to concentrate flavor compounds naturally present in the wood. The extract contains compounds such as tannins, vanillin, and lignin-derived molecules that contribute oak-forward sensory characteristics to food and beverage products.
Common Uses
Oak Chips, White, Extract is primarily used in the beverage industry as a flavoring agent. It is most commonly employed in:
- Wine production, where it can simulate characteristics of oak barrel aging
- Spirits and distilled beverages seeking oak flavor enhancement
- Beer and craft beverage applications
- Flavor compounds for non-alcoholic beverages
The extract allows manufacturers to achieve oak flavor profiles more efficiently than traditional barrel aging, reducing production time and costs while providing consistent flavor results. It functions as both a flavoring agent and sensory adjuvant in formulations.
Safety Assessment
Oak Chips, White, Extract has not been formally affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, the additive demonstrates a favorable safety profile based on available data:
- Zero adverse events have been reported to the FDA
- No FDA recalls are associated with this ingredient
- White oak wood has a long history of use in food and beverage production through traditional barrel aging
- The extract contains compounds naturally present in wood that has been safely used for centuries in winemaking and spirit production
The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests the ingredient has not caused documented harm in consumer use. The natural origin and historical use of white oak in food applications provide additional context for safety assessment.
Regulatory Status
Under FDA regulations, Oak Chips, White, Extract falls within the category of flavoring agents and adjuvants. While not GRAS-affirmed, it may be used in food products under the indirect food additive regulations if manufacturers have established appropriate safety data and notifications. Different jurisdictions may have varying regulatory approaches to this ingredient.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate evaluation procedures for flavoring substances. Oak-derived flavoring agents are permitted in certain applications within the EU under specific conditions and concentration limits for authorized flavoring substances.
Manufacturers using this extract typically maintain documentation supporting its safety in intended applications and at proposed use levels, as required by FDA regulations for non-affirmed additives.
Key Studies
Scientific literature on oak extracts in general demonstrates that compounds extracted from oak wood have been extensively studied:
- Research on oak tannins and their sensory contributions in wine and beverage applications
- Studies examining the chemical composition of white oak wood and extraction efficiency
- General toxicology data on naturally occurring wood compounds at food-use concentrations
- Historical consumption data from traditional barrel-aged beverages
While specific published studies dedicated solely to this CAS number may be limited, the safety profile can be informed by broader research on oak wood flavor compounds and their long-standing use in traditional food production methods.