Learn Glossary flavoring

Eugenol

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Eugenol is a flavoring — Synthetic fruit, nut, spice flavoring; defoamer in yeast production

What it does

Synthetic fruit, nut, spice flavoring; defoamer in yeast production

Where you'll see it

Beverages, ice cream, candy, baked goods, chewing gum, gelatin desserts, meats (2,000 ppm), condiments

What the research says

When ingested may cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Potential allergen left out of hypoallergenic cosmetics. Toxicity similar to phenol (highly toxic). Methyl eugenol found to cause tumors in rats.

Benefits

Acts as a local antiseptic.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • Notes: Also ASP

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Death in laboratory animals given eugenol was due to vascular collapse