Benzaldehyde
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources
Benzaldehyde is a flavoring — Artificial essential oil of almonds; flavoring
Also: Artificial Almond Oil
What it does
Artificial essential oil of almonds; flavoring
Where you'll see it
Beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, baked goods, chewing gum, cordials, cosmetic creams, lotions, perfumes, soaps, dyes; cherries, raspberries, tea, almonds naturally
What the research says
May cause allergic reactions. Skin irritant; contact may cause rash. Highly toxic. Produces CNS depression and convulsions. Fatal dose estimated at 2 ounces.
[salt-sugar-fat] Synthetic aromatic compound used as the dominant flavor note in Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper and similar cherry-flavored sodas; Moskowitz tasted Dr Pepper Cherry and identified it immediately as 'common benzaldehyde.'
Regulatory status
- US FDA: GRAS
- Notes: ASP
Sources
- Salt Sugar Fat (Moss) — Chapter 2 (How Do You Get People to Crave?): Benzaldehyde, which gives it an almond and cherry flavor
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Highly toxic. Produces central nervous system depression and convulsions. Fatal dose is estimated to be 2 ounces