# Tetrahydrofurfuryl Propionate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 637-65-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate (THFP) is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity and sweet taste notes and functions as a flavor adjuvant to enhance or modify taste profiles in various 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 Tetrahydrofurfuryl Propionate?

Tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate is a synthetic ester compound with the CAS number 637-65-0. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as propionate esters and contains a tetrahydrofurfuryl group—a saturated five-membered oxygen-containing ring with an alcohol functional group. The propionate ester linkage makes it a naturally-derived type structure, though the compound is produced synthetically for food applications.

## Common Uses

Tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate is primarily used in the flavor industry as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant. Its role in food manufacturing includes:

- Enhancing fruity and sweet taste characteristics in beverages
- Contributing to complex flavor profiles in confectionery products
- Functioning as a flavor modifier in dairy applications
- Supporting aromatic qualities in baked goods and dessert formulations

The compound is employed in relatively small quantities, as is typical with synthetic flavoring agents, where potency allows for use at parts-per-million levels.

## Safety Assessment

The available safety data for tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate indicates a favorable safety profile based on current regulatory records:

- No adverse events have been reported to the FDA
- No food recalls have been associated with this ingredient
- The compound has undergone evaluation by food safety authorities

As with other synthetic flavoring agents, tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate undergoes toxicological assessment considering factors such as acute toxicity, subchronic exposure effects, and potential allergenicity. The chemical structure—a simple ester of a saturated cyclic alcohol and propionic acid—suggests low systemic toxicity potential, as both component parts are relatively benign.

Typical safety considerations for synthetic esters focus on:

- Purity and manufacturing process controls
- Identity confirmation through analytical testing
- Exposure levels based on intended food applications
- Potential for metabolic breakdown into component parts

## Regulatory Status

Tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate is not on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. This designation does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or received an affirmative GRAS determination.

Regulatory pathways for this ingredient may include:

- Food Additive Petitions submitted to the FDA
- Direct food additive approvals through formal regulatory channels
- Use under FDA's threshold of regulation for certain flavoring substances
- International approvals in other regulatory jurisdictions

The absence of GRAS status requires manufacturers using this ingredient to ensure compliance with applicable FDA regulations and to maintain proper documentation of its use. In international markets, regulatory approval may vary by country.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses tetrahydrofurfuryl propionate in isolation. However, safety evaluation typically draws upon:

- Structural analogue data from similar ester-type flavorings
- General toxicology principles for propionate compounds
- Metabolic pathway information for ester hydrolysis
- Historical use data in food applications

The flavor industry's self-regulatory body, the International Organization of the Flavoring Industry (IOFI), and the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) maintain expert panels that evaluate flavoring safety using standardized methodologies. Such evaluations consider the compound's chemical structure, intended use levels, and potential metabolic fate.

No significant adverse health effects have been identified in available regulatory or scientific documentation. The zero adverse event reports and absence of recalls support continued safe use within established parameters.

## 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. "Tetrahydrofurfuryl Propionate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/tetrahydrofurfuryl-propionate. Accessed 2026-05-20.