Food Additives with Caution

2-butylisothiocyanate

2-butylisothiocyanate is an organic compound classified as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. It is primarily used in food products to impart a pungent, mustard-like flavor profile, characteristic of many compounds found naturally in cruciferous vegetables. While approved as a flavoring in the European Union, it has not been formally designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA.

CAS 4426-79-3View

2-ethyl-2-hexenal

2-ethyl-2-hexenal (CAS 645-62-5) is an unsaturated aldehyde used as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food products. It imparts a distinctive green, fatty, and sometimes fruity or nutty aroma, making it valuable in various flavor formulations. While approved in the EU after EFSA's safety assessment, it is not listed as GRAS by the FDA.

CAS 645-62-5View

Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde (CAS 75-07-0) is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity, fresh notes and is found naturally in many foods including fruits, fermented beverages, and bread.

CAS 75-07-0View

Caution24 events

Acetone

Acetone (CAS 67-64-1) is a volatile organic solvent and flavoring agent used in food processing as a solvent, washing agent, and flavor enhancer. While not approved as a food additive by the FDA, it may be present in foods as a residual processing chemical.

CAS 67-64-1View

Alum (double Sulfate Of Al And Nh4, K, Or Na)

Firming-agent

Alum is a group of double sulfate salts containing aluminum combined with ammonium, potassium, or sodium. It functions as a firming agent in food products to maintain texture and crispness, particularly in pickled vegetables and canned products.

CAS 977007-61-6View

Arnica Flowers (arnica Spp.)

Arnica flowers are the dried flowering heads of Arnica montana and related Arnica species, used as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in food products. While traditionally used in herbal preparations, their use as a food additive is limited and not formally approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

CAS 977000-27-3View

Caution33 events

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that imparts red and pink coloring to foods. It is used as a food colorant in various products, though it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA in the United States.

CAS 472-61-7View

Caution39 events

Bromelain

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from pineapple stems and fruit. In food manufacturing, it functions as a flavor enhancer, texturizer, and processing aid, primarily used in meat tenderization and beverage production.

CAS 9001-00-7View

Butyl Acetate

Butyl acetate is an organic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides fruity, apple-like aroma notes and is commonly employed in beverage and confectionery applications.

CAS 123-86-4View

Canthaxanthin

Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment used as a food colorant to impart red-orange hues to various food products. It is not approved by the FDA as a food additive but is permitted in certain applications in other regulatory jurisdictions.

CAS 514-78-3View

Carmine (coccus Cacti L.)

Carmine is a natural red colorant derived from the cochineal insect (Coccus cacti L.), primarily used to impart red and pink hues to food and beverages. It has been used for centuries as a traditional dye and remains a common food colorant in many countries.

CAS 1390-65-4View

Cassia Buds (cinnamomum Cassia Blume)

Cassia Buds (Cinnamomum Cassia Blume) are the dried, immature fruits of the cassia tree, known for their aromatic and pungent flavor. Primarily used as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food, they impart a warm, spicy note characteristic of cassia cinnamon.

CAS 977091-24-9View

Citronella, Oil (cymbopogon Nardus Rendle)

Citronella, Oil (cymbopogon Nardus Rendle) is a natural essential oil derived from citronella grass, characterized by a fresh, lemon-like, and grassy aroma. In the food industry, it is utilized as a flavoring agent or adjuvant to impart a distinct taste and fragrance to various products. While widely recognized for non-food applications, its use in food is typically in very small, carefully controlled concentrations.

CAS 8000-29-1View

Cyclohexylamine

Cyclohexylamine is an organic amine compound historically used as a boiler water additive in food processing equipment to prevent corrosion. It is not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA and does not appear in food products themselves.

CAS 108-91-8View

Dehydroacetic Acid

Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) is a synthetic antimicrobial compound used to inhibit microbial growth in food products. It functions as a preservative to extend shelf life and maintain food safety by preventing bacterial and fungal contamination.

CAS 520-45-6View

Elecampane Root, Oil (inula Helenium L.)

Elecampane Root, Oil (Inula helenium L.) is a natural flavoring agent derived from the roots and rhizomes of the elecampane plant. Primarily composed of sesquiterpene lactones, it is utilized in the food industry to impart distinct aromatic notes to various products. While not formally affirmed as GRAS by the FDA, its use as a flavoring has been evaluated by other expert panels.

CAS 1397-83-7View

Estragole

Estragole (CAS 140-67-0) is a naturally occurring organic compound belonging to the phenylpropene family, commonly found in herbs like tarragon, anise, and basil. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages to impart characteristic anise-like and licorice notes.

CAS 140-67-0View

Ethoxyquin

Antioxidant

Ethoxyquin is a synthetic antioxidant used primarily in animal feed and some food applications to prevent fat oxidation and maintain nutritional quality. It is not approved as a food additive in the European Union and has limited approval in the United States.

CAS 91-53-2View

Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether

Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGMBE), also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a colorless organic solvent primarily used in industrial and commercial cleaning products. In the context of food, its function is as a washing or surface removal agent for cleaning food processing equipment and surfaces that come into contact with food, rather than as a direct food ingredient.

CAS 111-76-2View

Ethylene Oxide/propylene Oxide Copolymer

Stabilizer

Ethylene Oxide/propylene Oxide Copolymer (CAS 9003-11-6) is a synthetic polymer functioning as a stabilizer, thickener, drying agent, and surface-active agent in various applications. In food contexts, it can act as a dough strengthener or emulsifier, improving texture and stability. While possessing these functional properties, it is not currently listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA for food use.

CAS 9003-11-6View

Ethylenediamine

Ethylenediamine is a colorless organic chemical compound classified as a diamine. While it has extensive industrial applications, its specified function within a food additive context is as a tracer, indicating its potential use to monitor or track substances or processes. However, ethylenediamine itself is not listed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, nor is it an approved direct food additive in the U.S. or E.U.

CAS 107-15-3View

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt, also known as disodium EDTA (Na2EDTA), is a synthetic compound primarily recognized for its chelating properties, meaning it can bind to metal ions. While other forms of EDTA are commonly used as sequestrants or stabilizers, this specific compound is categorized as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food, where it helps maintain desired flavor profiles by preventing metallic-ion-catalyzed degradation.

CAS 6381-92-6View

Fd&c Red No. 3

FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic red colorant derived from fluorescein. It is used in food and beverages to provide a bright red or pink color and has been employed in the food industry for decades.

CAS 16423-68-0View

Caution13 events

Garlic Extract