Acetaldehyde
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary
Acetaldehyde is a flavoring — Solvent; flavoring
Also: Ethanal
What it does
Solvent; flavoring
Where you'll see it
Apples, broccoli, cheese, coffee, grapefruit, and other vegetables and fruit naturally; used as a solvent
What the research says
Irritating to mucous membranes. Greater central nervous system depression than formaldehyde; ingestion produces drunkenness symptoms. Inhalation usually limited by intense lung irritation. Ingestion of large doses may cause death by respiratory paralysis. Implicated in toxic effects of drinking alcohol after Antabuse.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: GRAS
- Notes: ASP designation - FDA seeking updated toxicology
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Its ability to depress the central nervous system is greater than that of formaldehyde, and ingestion produces symptoms of drunkenness