# Undecanoic Acid

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/undecanoic-acid
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/undecanoic-acid.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 112-37-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Undecanoic acid is an 11-carbon straight-chain fatty acid used as a flavoring agent and adjuvant in food products. It occurs naturally in some plants and is utilized to provide fatty, waxy, and slightly fruity flavor notes in various food formulations.

## 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 Undecanoic Acid?

Undecanoic acid, also known as hendecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with the molecular formula C₁₁H₂₂O₂ and CAS number 112-37-8. It is a straight-chain (linear) fatty acid containing eleven carbon atoms. The compound exists as a white to off-white crystalline solid at room temperature with a characteristic fatty, waxy odor. Undecanoic acid can be derived from natural sources, including certain plant oils and animal fats, though it can also be synthesized chemically for industrial use.

## Common Uses

In the food industry, undecanoic acid functions as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. Its primary application is in creating complex flavor profiles that require fatty or waxy notes. It is used in various food categories including beverages, baked goods, dairy products, confectionery, and meat products. The compound contributes subtle fruity and buttery undertones that enhance overall flavor complexity. As a flavoring adjuvant, it may also help stabilize or carry other flavor compounds in food formulations. The specific concentrations used in food applications are typically very small, measured in parts per million (ppm).

## Safety Assessment

Undecanoic acid has not received formal FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, though this absence does not indicate the substance is unsafe. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with undecanoic acid and zero recalls linked to this ingredient. Undecanoic acid is structurally similar to other fatty acids that are common in food and have established safety profiles. As a naturally occurring compound found in various foods, it has a history of consumption in the human diet.

The compound is lipophilic (fat-soluble) and would be metabolized similarly to other dietary fatty acids in the body. No significant toxicological concerns have been identified in available literature. The lack of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that current usage levels in food products have not raised safety concerns among regulatory agencies or consumers.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, undecanoic acid is not approved as a food additive under FDA regulations and has not been granted GRAS status. However, it may be used in certain food applications under different regulatory pathways or in specific jurisdictions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate regulatory frameworks for food additives, and undecanoic acid's status in Europe may differ from its status in the United States.

Manufacturers using undecanoic acid in food products must comply with applicable national and regional regulations regarding food additives and flavoring substances. Regulatory classification and permitted uses vary by country, and food producers should verify compliance with local requirements before use.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically addresses undecanoic acid as a food additive. Most scientific literature on undecanoic acid focuses on its antimicrobial properties in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications rather than its flavor properties. The compound has been studied for potential therapeutic applications, but these investigations are outside the scope of food additive safety assessment. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that the compound has an adequate safety profile at levels used in food flavoring, though formal toxicological studies specific to food use may be limited in public literature. Further research or formal safety assessments may be warranted if regulatory approval is pursued.

## 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. "Undecanoic Acid — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/undecanoic-acid. Accessed 2026-05-20.