Food Additives with Caution
41 substances where evidence suggests some concern — limited data, conflicting studies, or restrictions in certain countries.
Showing 25–41 of 41 caution additives
Germander, Chamaedrys (teucrium Chamaedrys L.)
FlavoringGermander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.) is a plant-derived flavoring agent used to add herbal notes to food and beverages. While not GRAS-approved by the FDA, it has generated no adverse event reports or recalls in the United States food supply.
Grape Seed Extract
FlavoringGrape Seed Extract is a natural flavoring agent derived from grape seeds, containing polyphenolic compounds that contribute to taste and potential antioxidant properties. It is used in the food industry primarily as a flavoring adjuvant in beverages, supplements, and processed foods.
Isobutyl Alcohol
FlavoringIsobutyl alcohol (2-methylpropan-1-ol) is a four-carbon alcohol used as a flavoring agent and solvent in food manufacturing. Though not designated as GRAS by the FDA, it appears in certain food applications where it contributes fruity and solvent-like flavor notes.
Isopropyl Alcohol
FlavoringIsopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol) is a colorless, flammable liquid solvent with disinfectant properties. In food production, it functions as a solvent and flavoring agent adjuvant, though its use in food is limited and not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA.
L-arginine
NutrientL-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid used as a nutrient supplement in food and beverage products. It plays important roles in protein synthesis, immune function, and nitric oxide production in the body.
L-glutamine
FlavoringL-glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid used in food as a flavor enhancer and nutrient supplement. It functions to improve taste profiles and provide amino acid supplementation in various food and beverage products.
Methyl Alcohol
SolventMethyl alcohol (methanol) is a simple alcohol used as a solvent and vehicle in food manufacturing. While it does not have FDA GRAS status for direct food use, it may be present in trace amounts in certain food processing applications.
Methyl Mercaptan
FlavoringMethyl mercaptan is an organic sulfur compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products. It is naturally present in some foods and contributes characteristic savory, meaty, and sulfurous notes to various culinary applications.
Musk Ambrette--nlfg
FlavoringMusk Ambrette (CAS 83-66-9) is a synthetic aromatic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It belongs to the class of polycyclic musks and is employed to impart musky, ambery flavor notes in various food and beverage applications.
Naphtha
SolventNaphtha is a petroleum-derived solvent used in food processing to extract and dissolve various compounds. It functions as a vehicle in food manufacturing but is not approved by the FDA for direct food use.
Olestra
OtherOlestra is a synthetic fat substitute engineered to provide the taste and texture of dietary fat while being non-caloric and non-absorbable by the human body. It was developed as a replacement for traditional fats in fried and baked foods to reduce caloric intake.
Orange B
ColorantOrange B (CAS 15139-76-1) is a synthetic azo dye used as a food colorant to impart orange hues to food products. It was historically used in limited applications but has been largely phased out in most markets due to regulatory restrictions.
P-cresol
FlavoringP-cresol is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It occurs naturally in small amounts in foods like coffee and fermented products, and is synthetically produced for use as a flavor ingredient in various food applications.
Pennyroyal, Oil, American (hedeoma Pulegiodes (l.))
FlavoringPennyroyal oil, American (Hedeoma pulegioides) is a volatile essential oil derived from American pennyroyal plant, used as a flavoring agent in food products. Due to toxicity concerns associated with pulegone, a primary constituent, it is not approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and has limited use in commercial food applications.
Pennyroyal, Oil, European (mentha Pulegium L.)
FlavoringPennyroyal oil, European (Mentha pulegium L.) is a volatile essential oil used as a flavoring agent in food products. Despite its traditional use in beverages and confections, it is not recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and has limited approved applications in food.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Odorless, Light
SolventPetroleum Hydrocarbons, Odorless, Light (also known as mineral oil or liquid paraffin) is a highly refined petroleum-derived solvent used in food processing as a vehicle or solvent. It is primarily used in flavoring applications and food manufacturing, though its use is restricted in many countries.
Petroleum Naphtha
SolventPetroleum naphtha (CAS 8030-30-6) is a volatile hydrocarbon solvent derived from crude oil refining. It functions as a solvent and vehicle in food processing, though its use in direct food contact is restricted in most jurisdictions.
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