Flavoring Agent · CAS 120-72-9
Indole
FDA status: Approved. EU: not separately listed. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Indole is FDA-approved, 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).
The verdict
Indole is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- -
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
CAS-led regulatory snapshot
Indole: no OFF product match; CAS 120-72-9 is the lead registry handle on this row.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 120-72-9 | CAS Registry |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Not separately listed | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | - | EU additive register |
| Category | Flavoring Agent | 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 | Not yet tracked | 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 Indole?
Indole (CAS 120-72-9) is an FDA-regulated food substance used as flavoring agent or adjuvant.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Indole
Product-count (0) 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 Indole safe to consume?
Indole scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; the distinctive registry handle is CAS 120-72-9, so this page leads with the chemical identity row rather than a shelf-prevalence claim.
What is Indole used for in food?
Indole (CAS 120-72-9) is catalogued for flavoring agent or adjuvant (Flavoring Agent); OFF has not matched a U.S. product row yet.