# Tallow Flakes

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977163-79-3
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Tallow Flakes are a rendered fat product derived from animal sources, primarily used in industrial food applications. The specific function and widespread use of this substance in food products remain poorly documented in available scientific literature.

## 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 Tallow Flakes?

Tallow Flakes refer to a processed form of rendered animal fat, typically derived from beef or mutton sources. The substance is presented in flaked or granulated form, which increases surface area and may improve handling or mixing properties in food manufacturing. Tallow itself has been used in food production for centuries, particularly in baking and frying applications. However, the specific formulation identified by CAS Number 977163-79-3 lacks comprehensive documentation in peer-reviewed scientific databases.

## Common Uses

While tallow has traditional applications in food manufacturing—including use in shortening, baked goods, and frying oils—the specific documented uses of Tallow Flakes with this CAS number are not clearly established in available FDA or EFSA databases. The flaked format suggests potential use as a dry ingredient additive or processing aid, but definitive information about its current food industry applications is limited. Any use would likely be restricted to industrial food manufacturing rather than direct consumer food products.

## Safety Assessment

The FDA has not designated Tallow Flakes (CAS 977163-79-3) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). This classification does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it indicates that the substance has not undergone the formal GRAS determination process or submitted adequate data to support such a designation. There are zero recorded adverse events reported to the FDA and zero product recalls associated with this specific substance, suggesting either minimal market presence or lack of safety incidents in documented use.

From a general food safety perspective, rendered animal fats have established safety profiles when properly produced and handled. Potential concerns with any tallow-derived product would typically relate to: proper rendering procedures to eliminate pathogens, oxidation stability during storage, and appropriate labeling for allergen disclosure (as beef/mutton origin may be relevant for dietary restrictions). However, without specific product composition data and manufacturing specifications for this particular CAS number, comprehensive safety assessment is limited.

## Regulatory Status

Tallow Flakes (CAS 977163-79-3) have not received FDA GRAS approval, which means the substance cannot be marketed as a food additive in the United States without premarket approval or as a food ingredient with established safety documentation. This regulatory status does not prohibit use under specific circumstances—manufacturers may petition the FDA for GRAS determination if they can provide adequate safety data.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) does not maintain a readily accessible entry for this specific CAS number in their food additive database, suggesting it may not be currently authorized for use in EU food products, or it may be classified under different regulatory frameworks specific to animal-derived products.

Manufacturers wishing to use this substance would need to comply with 21 CFR Part 570 (Food Additives) regulations, including submission of safety data to support any intended use.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically addressing Tallow Flakes (CAS 977163-79-3) is not readily available in PubMed or Google Scholar databases. This absence of specific research documentation is consistent with the substance's apparent limited market penetration or niche application. General safety research on rendered animal fats and their oxidative stability is available, but application to this specific formulation would require proprietary product specifications and testing data from manufacturers.

## 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. "Tallow Flakes — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/tallow-flakes. Accessed 2026-05-20.