Flavouring Group Evaluation 214: alpha, beta‐Unsaturated aldehydes and precursors from chemical subgroup 3.1 of FGE.19: Cinnamyl derivatives

Abstract

. 739 and 09.780]. The configuration of the double bond in cinnamaldehyde .014] has not been specified. However, the substance is anticipated to contain more than 97 % trans-cinnamaldehyde.Some concern could be raised by studies carried out with cinnamaldehyde , showing an ability to induce chromosomal damage in vitro and by the positive result obtained for 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde .048] in an Ames test. For cinnamaldehyde the concern was not confirmed in in vivo studies. Thus, it is concluded that cinnamaldehyde does not have a genotoxic potential in vivo. In addition, the carcinogenicity studies with trans-cinnamaldehyde did not indicate a carcinogenic potential.The ring substituents (4-methyl, 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 3-or 5-methoxy or 2-methoxy) are anticipated not to increase but rather decrease the reactivity of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde group. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the seven ring substituted cinnamyl derivatives 05.051, 05.118, 05.122, 05.154, 05.155 and 09.306], like the unsubstituted cinnamyl derivatives, were not of concern with respect to genotoxicity.The Panel concluded that the data available do not preclude an evaluation of the alpha,betaunsaturated cinnamaldehyde-derivatives in FGE.214 (subgroup 3.1 of FGE.19) using the Procedure.