# Phenethyl Decanoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 61810-55-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Phenethyl decanoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and floral notes in food products. It belongs to the ester class of flavor chemicals and is employed in small quantities to enhance taste profiles 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 Phenethyl Decanoate?

Phenethyl decanoate (CAS Number: 61810-55-7) is a synthetic ester compound composed of phenethyl alcohol and decanoic acid. It exists as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fruity and floral aroma. This compound belongs to the broader category of synthetic flavor chemicals used extensively in the food industry to create or enhance desirable taste and aroma profiles.

## Common Uses

Phenethyl decanoate is used as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. Its primary function is to contribute fruity and floral notes to processed foods, including baked goods, confectionery, beverages, dairy products, and savory snacks. Like other synthetic esters in the flavor industry, it is typically used in very small concentrations, usually measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve the desired sensory effect without becoming the dominant flavor component.

## Safety Assessment

Phenethyl decanoate has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA, which means it has not been formally affirmed through the FDA's rigorous review process. However, this classification does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS petition and approval procedures have not been completed or that the compound may be used under different regulatory frameworks.

According to available FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with phenethyl decanoate and zero product recalls linked to this ingredient. This absence of documented safety issues is an important consideration when evaluating the additive's safety profile in practical use.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains its own evaluation procedures for flavoring substances. Phenethyl decanoate's status within EFSA frameworks may differ from FDA classifications, as regulatory approaches to flavoring compounds can vary between regions based on different risk assessment methodologies and data requirements.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, phenethyl decanoate's regulatory status is complex. While it lacks FDA GRAS status, it may be permitted in food applications under specific conditions or through alternative regulatory pathways. Food manufacturers must verify its permissibility in their specific product applications and geographic markets before use.

International regulatory status varies by country. Some nations may permit this flavoring agent under different regulatory frameworks, while others may restrict its use. Companies with global distribution must navigate these varying regulatory requirements carefully.

The lack of GRAS status should not be interpreted as evidence of harm or unsuitability for food use, but rather reflects administrative and regulatory approval processes. Many legitimate food flavoring compounds operate without formal GRAS affirmation while maintaining acceptable safety profiles based on usage patterns and toxicological data.

## Key Studies

Published toxicological and safety data specifically addressing phenethyl decanoate are limited in publicly available scientific literature. Most safety information about this compound derives from:

1. General toxicological data on similar ester compounds and their metabolic pathways
2. Industry safety assessments conducted for regulatory submissions
3. Absence of documented adverse events in consumer use
4. The chemical's structural similarities to naturally occurring compounds with established safety profiles

The ester structure of phenethyl decanoate suggests it would undergo typical hepatic metabolism following ingestion, with hydrolysis to its component parts (phenethyl alcohol and decanoic acid), both of which have separate safety assessments. This metabolic pathway is consistent with other food-approved ester flavorings.

Researchers and regulators typically evaluate synthetic flavoring compounds using similar assessment criteria: acute toxicity testing, potential genotoxicity, subchronic exposure studies, and evaluation of use levels in food applications. The absence of specific published studies on phenethyl decanoate may reflect both its narrow use profile and low consumer exposure levels typical of flavor compounds.

## 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. "Phenethyl Decanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/phenethyl-decanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.