FDA Status
Approved
Phenethyl Benzoate, CAS 94-47-3, is a flavor enhancer additive holding a composite safety score of 4 out of 5 (Low Risk). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as not separately listed. It is most commonly used as flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Phenethyl Benzoate to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Phenethyl Benzoate, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Not separately listed | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | — | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 94-47-3 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Flavor Enhancer | 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.
4.0 / 5
Composite Safety Low Risk
Safety Score: 4 out of 5
Safety Rating 80.0%
EU Status
Not specified
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Phenethyl Benzoate receives a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Phenethyl Benzoate for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Phenethyl Benzoate. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Phenethyl Benzoate?
Phenethyl Benzoate (CAS 94-47-3) is an FDA-regulated food substance used as flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant.
Health Concerns
- FDA-listed substance in the Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) inventory.
Common Uses
flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phenethyl Benzoate safe to consume?
Phenethyl Benzoate has a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Phenethyl Benzoate used for in food?
Phenethyl Benzoate is commonly used as: flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant. It belongs to the Flavor Enhancer category of food additives.
Is Phenethyl Benzoate banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Phenethyl Benzoate. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Phenethyl Benzoate?
The FDA classifies Phenethyl Benzoate as "Approved", and the EU may apply different standards. The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Phenethyl Benzoate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Phenethyl Benzoate: FDA-listed substance in the Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) inventory.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Phenethyl Benzoate calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Phenethyl Benzoate is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial