What is Tangerine Extract?
Tangerine extract is derived from Citrus reticulata Blanco, commonly known as the tangerine or mandarin orange. The extract is obtained through various processing methods that concentrate flavor compounds, essential oils, and other naturally occurring constituents from the fruit. Like other citrus extracts, tangerine extract contains limonene, myrcene, and other volatile organic compounds characteristic of citrus essential oils.
Common Uses
Tangerine extract is used primarily in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent. It may appear in products such as beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and flavor formulations. The extract provides authentic citrus flavor notes and aroma characteristics. However, specific commercial applications and prevalence data remain limited in publicly available regulatory documents. The exact function classification for this particular extract is not formally documented by the FDA.
Safety Assessment
No adverse events have been reported to the FDA associated with tangerine extract (CAS 90063-83-5). Additionally, no product recalls linked to this ingredient appear in FDA records. These metrics suggest a favorable safety profile based on available data.
Tangerine extract, like other citrus extracts, derives from fruit sources with extensive human consumption history. The individual chemical constituents of tangerine extract—such as limonene and other terpenes—have been subject to toxicological review. Limonene, a primary component, has been evaluated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for its use as a flavoring agent.
It should be noted that while tangerine extract itself has not received formal FDA GRAS status as listed, this does not necessarily indicate safety concerns. Rather, it may reflect that formal GRAS notifications have not been submitted or that the ingredient has been used without such formal designation.
Regulatory Status
Tangerine extract is not listed as FDA GRAS specifically. However, it appears to be permitted for use in foods as a flavoring ingredient under FDA regulations allowing natural flavoring substances. The extract falls under the category of "other" additives in regulatory databases, with the functional purpose listed as unknown.
The ingredient is classified under 21 CFR Part 182 regulations governing natural flavoring substances. The absence of GRAS status does not preclude its use in food; rather, manufacturers may utilize it under the broad category of natural flavoring agents permitted for food use.
International regulatory approaches vary. Some jurisdictions recognize citrus extracts under flavoring ingredient lists, while others may require specific safety documentation.
Key Studies
Limited published safety studies specifically examine tangerine extract at CAS 90063-83-5. However, extensive research exists on major chemical constituents found in tangerine and citrus extracts:
- Limonene, the dominant component, has been evaluated for genotoxicity and carcinogenicity with no significant safety concerns identified at typical exposure levels.
- Citrus essential oils and extracts have been studied for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
- The volatile compounds in citrus extracts are rapidly metabolized by the body following typical oral ingestion.
The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that current exposure levels from food use are well below any concern threshold. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this extract formulation (CAS 90063-83-5) may be limited in public literature.
Additional research would provide more detailed safety characterization, including acute toxicity studies, subchronic studies, and allergenicity assessment. Consumers with citrus allergies should exercise appropriate caution with products containing citrus-derived ingredients.