# Santalyl Phenylacetate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 1323-75-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Santalyl phenylacetate (CAS 1323-75-7) is a synthetic aromatic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts woody, sandalwood-like sensory characteristics to beverages, confections, and other food applications.

## 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 Santalyl Phenylacetate?

Santalyl phenylacetate is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. It belongs to the family of aromatic esters and is chemically derived to replicate or enhance woody, sandalwood-type flavor notes. The compound is identified by CAS Number 1323-75-7 and is used in very small quantities in food formulations to achieve desired sensory profiles.

## Common Uses

Santalyl phenylacetate is employed primarily in the flavor and fragrance industry as a component of complex flavor systems. Its typical applications include:

- Beverages (particularly premium or specialty drinks)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and bakery applications
- Dairy products
- Savory snacks and seasonings

As with most synthetic flavoring compounds, it is used at very low concentrations—typically measured in parts per million (ppm)—meaning the actual exposure per serving is minimal.

## Safety Assessment

Santalyl phenylacetate has not been formally evaluated and approved by the FDA under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) classification. However, this status does not indicate unsafe use; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification has not been submitted or completed through FDA channels.

Importantly, the FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its use. This suggests that where it has been utilized in food products, no safety incidents have been documented or reported to regulatory authorities.

The compound's safety profile is further supported by its presence in established flavor databases and its use within the fragrance industry, where related aromatic compounds undergo rigorous evaluation. Many aromatic ester-type compounds have long histories of safe use in food applications at typical usage levels.

## Regulatory Status

Regulatory approvals for food additives vary by jurisdiction:

**United States:** Santalyl phenylacetate is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA. However, it may be permitted for use under specific regulatory pathways or may be used by manufacturers under their own responsibility if meeting applicable regulations.

**European Union:** The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has not published specific safety assessments for this compound in publicly available records, though it may appear in EU flavor databases under existing regulatory frameworks.

**Other Markets:** Approval status varies globally. Manufacturers must verify compliance with regulations in their specific target markets before use.

Due diligence by food manufacturers typically includes reviewing scientific literature, consulting flavor safety databases, and ensuring compliance with local food additive regulations before inclusion in products.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses santalyl phenylacetate toxicology. Safety evaluation of similar aromatic ester compounds in the flavor industry generally relies on:

- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis
- Comparison with chemically similar approved flavoring substances
- Historical use data from the fragrance industry
- General toxicology principles for ester compounds at typical dietary exposure levels

The absence of FDA adverse events and recalls represents real-world safety data supporting its use in food applications where it has been employed. However, comprehensive published safety studies specific to this compound appear limited in scientific literature, which is typical for many flavor compounds used at minimal dietary exposure levels.

Food manufacturers and regulatory bodies generally apply weight-of-evidence approaches to establish safety for such compounds, considering chemical structure, intended use levels, exposure estimates, and comparative safety data from related substances.

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