# Propyl Propionate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 106-36-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Propyl propionate is a synthetic flavoring compound belonging to the ester family, consisting of propionic acid esterified with propanol. It is used in food manufacturing to impart fruity and ester-like flavor notes to various processed food products.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Propyl Propionate?

Propyl propionate (CAS Number 106-36-5) is a volatile organic compound classified as a synthetic flavoring agent. It is an ester formed from the reaction of propionic acid and propyl alcohol. As a colorless liquid with a fruity, ethereal aroma, propyl propionate belongs to a group of short-chain esters commonly used in the flavor industry. Its chemical structure and volatility make it particularly useful for applications requiring fruity or apple-like flavor profiles.

## Common Uses

Propyl propionate is employed as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. It is typically used in small quantities to enhance or create fruity flavor notes in processed foods, beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. The additive is valued by food manufacturers for its ability to contribute fresh, ester-like sensory characteristics. As with most synthetic flavor compounds, it is used at levels well below those that would have nutritional significance, with typical use levels in the parts per million (ppm) range.

## Safety Assessment

Propyl propionate has not been formally granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the standard FDA approval process for food additives. However, this designation does not indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway and submission status. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with propyl propionate consumption, and there have been no product recalls linked to this additive, suggesting a history of safe use in food manufacturing.

As a short-chain ester, propyl propionate is structurally similar to compounds that occur naturally in foods and are produced during normal fermentation processes. The human body's ability to metabolize esters is well-established, as these compounds are common components of both naturally-occurring and synthetic flavoring systems.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory landscape for propyl propionate varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, while not GRAS-approved, it may be used under the FDA's indirect food additive provisions or as part of flavor formulations where permitted. The European Union maintains its own authorization process through EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for food additives. Food manufacturers utilizing propyl propionate must comply with their respective regional regulatory frameworks and labeling requirements.

Manufacturers typically document the safety of their flavoring formulations through technical dossiers submitted to regulatory authorities. The absence of any FDA enforcement actions or recalls associated with propyl propionate suggests that current use levels are considered acceptable from a public health perspective.

## Key Studies

While propyl propionate has not been the subject of extensive published toxicological research in peer-reviewed literature, safety data exists within industry technical files and regulatory submissions. The limited independent research reflects the general approach to flavor compound safety assessment, which relies heavily on structural similarity to approved compounds and metabolism studies.

The ester class of compounds, to which propyl propionate belongs, has been evaluated in various toxicological reviews. These assessments generally conclude that short-chain esters are readily hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized through normal biochemical pathways. The lack of reported adverse events in FDA records over decades of potential use supports the practical safety record of this additive.

Proper food safety management requires manufacturers to use propyl propionate only within established guidelines and at appropriate levels to achieve intended flavoring effects.

## 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. "Propyl Propionate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/propyl-propionate. Accessed 2026-05-20.