# Phenethyl Salicylate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 87-22-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Phenethyl salicylate is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes fruity and floral notes to beverages, confections, and other food items, though its use in food is not formally approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) 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 Phenethyl Salicylate?

Phenethyl salicylate (CAS Number 87-22-9) is an ester compound composed of salicylic acid and phenethyl alcohol. It is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a characteristic fruity and slightly floral aroma. The compound is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant to impart or enhance specific taste and aroma profiles in food and beverage products.

## Common Uses

Phenethyl salicylate is employed primarily in the formulation of fruit and floral flavoring compounds. Its applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, including liqueurs and spirits
- Non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and flavored waters
- Confectionery products including candies and chewing gum
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products
- Savory food applications in limited quantities

As a flavoring agent, it typically appears in very small concentrations in finished food products, often in the range of parts per million (ppm). The compound is valued in the flavor industry for its ability to provide depth and complexity to fruity flavor systems.

## Safety Assessment

Phenethyl salicylate has not been formally evaluated for GRAS status by the FDA, which means it does not have blanket approval for use across all food categories in the United States. However, regulatory records indicate zero adverse events reported to the FDA and zero product recalls associated with this compound. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests that when used at typical flavor concentrations, it has not been linked to consumer health complaints or product safety concerns.

The compound's safety profile appears consistent with similar ester-based flavoring compounds used in food. Like many salicylate-containing compounds, phenethyl salicylate may be a consideration for individuals with documented salicylate sensitivities, though the concentrations used in flavoring applications are substantially lower than those found in whole foods naturally containing salicylates.

Toxicological data on this specific compound is limited in the public domain, which is not uncommon for specialty flavoring ingredients used at very low concentrations. The lack of data does not necessarily indicate a safety concern, but rather reflects the practical reality that extensive testing is typically reserved for additives used in larger quantities or those with potential for systemic exposure.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, phenethyl salicylate is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA. This means it cannot be used without prior approval in most food categories. However, it may be used under specific FDA approvals or in regions where it has been authorized under different regulatory frameworks.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international regulatory bodies may have different approval statuses for this flavoring compound. In Europe, phenethyl salicylate is evaluated within the context of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavorings and their use in foods.

Manufacturers and flavor suppliers using phenethyl salicylate in food applications must comply with applicable regulations in their intended markets, which may include submitting safety data or obtaining specific authorization for use.

## Key Studies

Published toxicological studies specifically focused on phenethyl salicylate are limited in the peer-reviewed literature. Most safety evaluation of this compound has been conducted through industry-sponsored testing as part of flavor evaluation protocols. Standard acute toxicity testing in animal models would typically be part of a comprehensive safety dossier for such compounds, though detailed results are often proprietary.

The compound's structural similarity to other phenethyl esters and salicylate compounds allows for some read-across safety assessment based on related substances, though direct human safety data remains minimal. As with most flavoring ingredients, the primary safety consideration is the extremely low concentration at which the substance is employed in finished food products.

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