On October 9, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of seven synthetic food flavoring additives: benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, eugenyl methyl ether, myrcene, pulegone, pyridine, and styrene. The use of benzophenone as a plasticizer in materials in contact with food was also banned. According to the FDA, the seven substances were banned because they were found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Although the ban is effective immediately, the FDA has given food manufacturers 24 months to find suitable replacement ingredients. See also: Food; Food packaging; Mutagens and carcinogens; Pyridine; Spice and flavoring; Styrene
![This is an image.](/media/BR/media/BR1022181FG0010.jpg)
Food additives can impart or mimic flavors in food. However, their names do not appear on food labels because food manufacturers list them as artificial flavors. Because of this, it is nearly impossible for consumers to know what flavor additives are being used in the products they buy. The table below includes taste/aroma descriptions of the banned additives. See also: Food manufacturing
Flavor Additive | Taste/Aroma |
---|---|
Benzophenone | citric, slightly fruity |
Ethyl acrylate | fruity/rum odor |
Eugenyl methyl ether | spicy cinnamon, clove, peppery |
Myrcene | vegetative, citrus, tropical mango |
Pulegone | minty |
Pyridine | bitter/coffee and chocolate aroma |
Styrene | almond |