# Perillyl Acetate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 15111-96-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Perillyl acetate is a naturally-derived flavoring compound classified as an ester that occurs in plant essential oils, particularly mint and citrus plants. It is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer to provide fruity and minty notes in various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Perillyl Acetate?

Perillyl acetate (CAS Number 15111-96-3) is an organic compound belonging to the ester family of flavor chemicals. It consists of acetic acid combined with perillol, a naturally-occurring terpene alcohol found in essential oils of plants such as perilla, mint species, and certain citrus fruits. The compound has a fruity, minty aroma profile and is used to replicate or enhance natural fruit and herb flavors in food products.

## Common Uses

Perillyl acetate is employed primarily in the flavor industry as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer. It appears in formulations for:

- Confectionery and candy products
- Beverages including soft drinks and flavored waters
- Dairy products such as yogurts and flavored milk
- Baked goods and snacks
- Chewing gums and mints

The compound is typically used at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), which is standard practice for synthetic flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

Perillyl acetate has not been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA. However, this designation does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or that manufacturers have chosen alternative regulatory pathways.

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with perillyl acetate. The absence of adverse event reports indicates no identified safety incidents in the food supply linked to this additive.

The compound's structure as a simple ester—a common class of naturally-occurring and synthetic flavor chemicals—suggests a conventional safety profile. Many flavoring esters are widely used in food products without significant safety concerns. However, the lack of extensive published safety data specific to perillyl acetate means long-term epidemiological studies may be limited.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, perillyl acetate may be used under FDA regulations for flavoring agents, though it operates without explicit GRAS status. The FDA's Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR) permits certain flavoring agents based on use levels that are below thresholds of concern determined through safety assessment frameworks.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate regulatory requirements for food additives in EU member states. Regulatory status may vary between jurisdictions, and manufacturers must comply with specific regulations in each market where the product is distributed.

## Key Studies

Limited peer-reviewed literature exists specifically examining perillyl acetate's safety profile in food applications. Most safety data for flavoring esters derives from structural analogy assessments and general toxicology studies on related compounds.

The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that current use levels present minimal risk to consumers. However, comprehensive toxicological studies, including acute and chronic safety assessments, would strengthen the evidence base if such research were conducted and published.

Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) expert panels evaluate flavoring compounds using established guidelines, though specific FEMA GRAS (FEMA-GRAS) status for this compound should be verified through current resources.

Consumers and regulatory agencies rely on manufacturer compliance with applicable regulations, proper labeling, and adherence to established use levels and food categories for flavoring agents.

## 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. "Perillyl Acetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/perillyl-acetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.