Flavor · CAS 431-03-8
Diacetyl
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Diacetyl is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #375 of 417.
- #375 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Diacetyl is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #375 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (0th percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #375 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Diacetyl: composite 4/5 (Low Risk) with FDA GRAS and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | - | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 431-03-8 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Flavor | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 1 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Diacetyl?
Natural butter flavoring.
Health Concerns
- Safe to eat. Factory inhalation causes "popcorn lung."
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Diacetyl
Product-count (1) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diacetyl safe to consume?
Diacetyl scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is GRAS. In the lower-concern band the federal listing is the primary signal; EU status is Approved. Moderation still applies to any additive.
What is Diacetyl used for in food?
Diacetyl is commonly used as: Microwave popcorn, butter flavoring. It belongs to the Flavor category of food additives.
Where does Diacetyl sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #375 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Diacetyl?
The FDA classifies Diacetyl as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved". The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Diacetyl?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Diacetyl: Safe to eat. Factory inhalation causes "popcorn lung.". These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.