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FEMA Expert Panel Removes Flavoring from FEMA GRAS List

Jun 14th, 2013
Nicole Urbanowicz

The FEMA expert panel is requesting for more data on 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene (FEMA# 3527; CAS# 2530-10-1; FL-n°15.024, JECFA 1051) and it has removed the ingredient from the FEMA GRAS list until data is available for review. 

Additionally, the European Union has removed the substance from the Union List of flavoring substances approved for use in or on food in Europe (click here to read the EFSA's earlier statement). 

Intended use as a flavor ingredient, 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene is a low volume substance (6.6 kg of use reported in the USA in 2010). After its review, the panel concluded that additional data, including more detailed exposure information, comparative metabolism studies, and more comprehensive toxicity data, including an in-depth evaluation of the mechanism of action for potential effects, are required.

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