# Rhodinyl Phenylacetate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 10486-14-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Rhodinyl phenylacetate is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides floral and fruity aromatic notes to beverages, confections, and other processed foods.

## 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 Rhodinyl Phenylacetate?

Rhodinyl phenylacetate (CAS Number 10486-14-3) is a synthetic flavoring compound belonging to the class of esters. It is created through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources. The compound combines rhodinyl alcohol with phenylacetic acid to produce a molecule with characteristic floral and fruity aromatic properties. It is used in very small quantities in food formulations, typically measured in parts per million.

## Common Uses

Rhodinyl phenylacetate is employed primarily as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. Its typical applications include:

- Beverages (soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, flavored waters)
- Confectionery products (candies, chewing gums, hard candies)
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products (yogurts, ice creams)
- Flavoring compositions and blends

The compound is valued for its ability to contribute pleasant floral notes with fruity undertones, enhancing the sensory profile of finished products. Manufacturers use it in combination with other flavoring agents to achieve desired taste and aroma profiles.

## Safety Assessment

Rhodinyl phenylacetate has not been formally evaluated through the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) petition process. However, the historical safety record is noteworthy: there are zero reported adverse events associated with this additive in FDA databases, and no recalls have been linked to its use.

The absence of regulatory approval under GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern. Rather, it reflects that manufacturers may use the additive under FDA regulations for flavoring substances, or that formal GRAS affirmation has not been pursued. The compound's chemical structure and properties suggest it follows metabolic pathways similar to other esters used in food flavoring.

The lack of adverse event reports across the FDA's monitoring systems, combined with its continued use in food formulations over many years, provides empirical evidence of an acceptable safety profile at levels used in food applications. Flavoring agents are used at extremely low concentrations—typically less than 10 ppm in finished products—which substantially reduces exposure concerns.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, rhodinyl phenylacetate is not listed as a GRAS substance, meaning it has not received formal FDA affirmation through the GRAS notification program. However, it may be used as a flavoring substance under 21 CFR 182.60, which permits use of flavoring substances that are "generally recognized as safe under the conditions of their intended use."

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates flavoring compounds through its Flavourings Working Group. Status and any restrictions in the EU may differ from U.S. regulations. Food manufacturers are responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations in each jurisdiction where their products are sold.

The regulatory framework for flavoring agents differs from that for other food additives, with flavoring substances typically allowed at low levels without the extensive pre-market approval required for other categories of additives.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically examining rhodinyl phenylacetate is limited in the public domain. Most safety evaluation of flavoring esters relies on structural analogy and general toxicology principles. The chemical structure suggests it would be hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to phenylacetic acid and rhodinol, both of which have recognized metabolic pathways.

For context, phenylacetic acid occurs naturally in various foods and is a normal human metabolite. Rhodinol and related compounds are found in essential oils used in traditional food flavoring applications. This structural relationship to known dietary components supports the safety assumption at flavoring use levels.

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls in FDA databases represents the most concrete available safety data. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies continue to monitor for any emerging safety signals.

## 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. "Rhodinyl Phenylacetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/rhodinyl-phenylacetate. Accessed 2026-05-20.