Food Additive Database
22 FDA-listed substances — safety ratings, regulatory status, adverse event data.
Aspergillus Niger For Fermentation Production Of Citric Acid
SolventAspergillus niger is a fungal microorganism used in fermentation to produce citric acid, a common food preservative and flavoring agent. The fungus itself is not directly added to food but serves as a biological catalyst in industrial citric acid production.
Cereal Solids, Hydrolyzed
SolventCereal Solids, Hydrolyzed is a processed ingredient derived from cereals that has been broken down through hydrolysis. It functions as a solvent or vehicle in food formulations, helping to dissolve, suspend, or deliver other ingredients in food products.
Cyclohexane
SolventCyclohexane is a cyclic hydrocarbon solvent used in food processing to extract oils and other compounds from natural materials. It is not approved as a food additive by the FDA and is not present in finished food products intended for consumption.
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
SolventEthylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, also known as 2-ethoxyethanol or EGMEE, is an organic chemical primarily recognized as a solvent. While it possesses properties that could classify it as a formulation aid or vehicle, it is not approved for direct use as a food additive. Its principal applications are found in industrial sectors, notably in paints, coatings, and cleaning products.
Hexane
SolventHexane is a volatile organic solvent derived from crude oil that is used in food processing to extract oils and fats from seeds and other plant materials. It is not approved as a food additive by the FDA and is not designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Isoparaffinic Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Synthetic
SolventIsoparaffinic Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Synthetic is a highly refined petroleum-derived solvent used in food processing as a processing aid and surface-active agent. It functions to dissolve or suspend other substances in food manufacturing but is not intended to remain in final food products.
Methacrylic Acid-divinylbenzene Copolymer
SolventMethacrylic acid-divinylbenzene copolymer is a synthetic polymer used as a solvent or vehicle in food applications. It functions to dissolve or suspend other food ingredients, though its use in food is limited and not universally approved.
Methyl Alcohol
SolventMethyl alcohol (methanol) is a simple alcohol used as a solvent and vehicle in food manufacturing. While it does not have FDA GRAS status for direct food use, it may be present in trace amounts in certain food processing applications.
Mono-, Di-, And Triglycerides
SolventMono-, di-, and triglycerides are naturally occurring lipid compounds used as solvents and vehicles in food formulations. They function to dissolve, suspend, or disperse other ingredients in food products, facilitating uniform distribution and product stability.
Naphtha
SolventNaphtha is a petroleum-derived solvent used in food processing to extract and dissolve various compounds. It functions as a vehicle in food manufacturing but is not approved by the FDA for direct food use.
Peg Fatty Acid Esters And Mono-, Di-, And Triglycerides Mixture
SolventPeg Fatty Acid Esters and Mono-, Di-, and Triglycerides Mixture is a synthetic compound combining polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives with various fatty acid glycerides. It functions as a solvent and vehicle in food formulations to help dissolve, disperse, or carry other ingredients.
Petrolatum
SolventPetrolatum is a petroleum-derived mineral oil product consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons. In food applications, it functions as a lubricant, release agent, and masticatory substance, commonly used in chewing gum and as a processing aid.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Odorless, Light
SolventPetroleum Hydrocarbons, Odorless, Light (also known as mineral oil or liquid paraffin) is a highly refined petroleum-derived solvent used in food processing as a vehicle or solvent. It is primarily used in flavoring applications and food manufacturing, though its use is restricted in many countries.
Petroleum Naphtha
SolventPetroleum naphtha (CAS 8030-30-6) is a volatile hydrocarbon solvent derived from crude oil refining. It functions as a solvent and vehicle in food processing, though its use in direct food contact is restricted in most jurisdictions.
Poly(divinylbenzene-co-ethylstyrene)
SolventPoly(divinylbenzene-co-ethylstyrene) is a synthetic polymer used as a solvent and vehicle in food applications. This copolymer compound serves functional roles in food processing and formulation where solvent properties are required.
Polyvinyl Alcohol
SolventPolyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer derived from polyvinyl acetate through hydrolysis. It functions as a solvent and vehicle in food applications, though its use in the United States is limited and not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA.
Terpene Resins, Natural
SolventTerpene resins are natural solvent compounds derived from plant sources, commonly used in food processing as humectants, masticatory substances, and solvents. These resins help maintain moisture content and improve texture in food products.
Terpene Resins, Synthetic
SolventTerpene Resins, Synthetic are man-made polymeric substances derived from terpene compounds, used in food as solvents, humectants, and masticatory bases. They function primarily in chewing gum formulations and as processing aids to maintain texture and moisture.
Toluene
SolventToluene (methylbenzene) is an organic solvent derived from petroleum that is not approved by the FDA for use in food products. While it has industrial applications, its presence in food is not permitted in the United States.
Trichloroethylene
SolventTrichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic solvent historically used in food processing, particularly for decaffeinating coffee and extracting oils. It is no longer permitted in food products in most major markets due to health concerns and the availability of safer alternative solvents.
Tridodecyl Amine
SolventTridodecyl amine is a long-chain aliphatic amine compound used as a solvent and vehicle in food processing. It functions to dissolve or disperse other substances in food manufacturing applications.
Vinyl Acetate
SolventVinyl acetate (CAS 108-05-4) is a volatile organic compound used primarily as a solvent and in the production of food-contact materials. It functions as a masticatory substance in chewing gum and similar products, though it is not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA.