FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: vanilla extract, bitter almond oil, Wintergreen oil and related flavoring ingredients
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is conducting a program to re-evaluate the safety of over 250 natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavoring ingredients. This publication, fourteenth in the series, evaluates the safety of NFCs composed primarily of benzaldehyde, methyl salicylate, vanillin and other benzyl derivative compounds. In 2018, the Expert Panel published an update of its safety evaluation procedure for NFCs that was first published in 2005. This procedure relies on a complete constituent characterization of the NFC and organization of the constituents of each NFC into defined congeneric groups. The safety of the NFC is evaluated using the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach using updated estimates of exposure in addition to the evaluation of all relevant safety data on the NFC and its principal constituents. The scope of the safety evaluation contained herein does not include added use in dietary supplements or any products other than food. Eighteen (18) NFCs, derived from the Vanilla, Prunus, Betula, Acacia, Cuminum, Jasminum, Gaultheria, Polianthes and Evernia genera, were affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under their conditions of intended use as flavor ingredients, based on an evaluation of each NFC and the constituents and congeneric groups therein.
Date Issued
2026-05-01
Date Acceptance
2026-01-20
Citation
Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2026, 211
ISSN
0278-6915
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Food and Chemical Toxicology
Volume
211
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
115969
Date Publish Online
2026-01-20