# Orange Flowers, Absolute (citrus Aurantium L.)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977049-65-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Orange Flowers, Absolute is a concentrated flavoring extract derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium L.). It is used in food and beverage applications to impart natural orange blossom flavor and aroma.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Orange Flowers, Absolute?

Orange Flowers, Absolute (CAS Number: 977049-65-2) is a flavoring ingredient produced from the flowers of Citrus aurantium L., commonly known as the bitter orange or Seville orange tree. The absolute is created through solvent extraction processes that concentrate the aromatic compounds present in the flower petals. This ingredient belongs to the broader category of essential oils and absolutes derived from citrus plants, which have been used in food flavoring for centuries.

The chemical composition of orange flower absolute includes volatile compounds such as linalool, linalyl acetate, methyl anthranilate, and various other terpenoids and esters that contribute to its characteristic floral and slightly citrus aroma. These compounds are naturally present in the source material and are concentrated during extraction.

## Common Uses

Orange flower absolute is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. Common applications include:

- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and pastries
- Beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Desserts and ice cream products
- Perfumery and cosmetics (outside food applications)
- Liqueurs and spirits

The ingredient adds a delicate, floral note that complements sweet applications and is particularly valued in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines where orange blossom water has traditional use.

## Safety Assessment

Orange Flowers, Absolute has not been formally designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the specific GRAS notification process. However, this designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe. Rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification may not have been submitted or completed.

Historically, orange flowers have been used in food applications for generations, particularly in traditional preparations. The FDA's adverse event database reports zero documented adverse events associated with this ingredient, and there are no recorded recalls linked to Orange Flowers, Absolute.

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) extracts have been subject to various safety reviews. While some components found in bitter orange peel, particularly synephrine, have raised regulatory concerns in dietary supplement contexts, orange flower absolute is a distinct product derived specifically from flowers rather than fruit or peel. The safety profile of flower-derived extracts differs from fruit-derived extracts.

As with any concentrated flavoring agent, Orange Flowers, Absolute is used in small quantities in food applications, which reduces potential exposure concerns. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated various citrus-derived flavoring substances, and many have been approved for use in food applications at specified levels.

## Regulatory Status

Orange Flowers, Absolute does not have FDA GRAS status, which means it may require pre-market approval or may be used under Food Additive Petition procedures, depending on the specific food application and concentration levels. Regulatory status varies by country:

- In the European Union, flavor substances are subject to the Flavoring Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008
- Usage levels and applications may vary by jurisdiction
- The ingredient may have different approval statuses in different countries

Manufacturers using this ingredient should verify compliance with applicable regulations in their target markets and maintain appropriate documentation of safety and quality.

## Key Studies

While specific clinical studies on Orange Flowers, Absolute are limited in published literature, the ingredient's safety profile is informed by:

- Historical use data in traditional food applications
- Chemical composition analysis of citrus flower extracts
- General safety assessments of citrus-derived flavoring substances by regulatory authorities
- The zero-adverse-event history in FDA databases
- Toxicological data on individual volatile components naturally present in the absolute

The absence of formal GRAS designation does not necessarily indicate safety concerns but rather reflects regulatory processes. Continued monitoring and transparent labeling remain important for consumer information and regulatory compliance.

## 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. "Orange Flowers, Absolute (citrus Aurantium L.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/orange-flowers-absolute-citrus-aurantium-l. Accessed 2026-05-12.