About
Bitter masker flavour is a synthetic flavour modifier (FL No. 16.127, JECFA No. 2161) that does not impart a new taste or odour to food but instead suppresses or reduces the perception of bitterness in certain foods such as cocoa and green tea. It is used at low concentrations to improve palatability and allow reduced sugar or sweetener levels in the final product.
Safety summary
The substance is authorised at low use levels (4–100 mg/kg in food) and has been assessed by JECFA and the UK FSA with no significant safety concern identified for the general adult population at intended use levels. No IARC classification exists for this specific substance, and no ADI has been formally established by JECFA, indicating it is considered acceptable at the proposed low dietary exposures. No notable sensitive-population concerns beyond standard flavouring precautions have been identified in authoritative sources.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Restricted | FSSAI does not list 'bitter masker flavour' (CAS 1119831-25-2) as a specifically approved flavouring substance. Flavourings in India are governed by FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, Regulation 3.3.1. Use of any flavouring not specifically approved may require prior approval from the Food Authority under FSS (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised as a flavour modifier under EU Regulation 1334/2008 (on flavourings). Proposed maximum use levels range from 4 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg depending on food category (e.g., cocoa, green tea products). Also authorised in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Protocol in line with EU legislation.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | FSA/FSS advice to Ministers is to authorise for use in Great Britain under Retained EU Regulation 1331/2008. Labelled under general rules for flavourings per Retained EU Regulation 1169/2011 — listed as 'flavouring(s)' or by specific name. Application submitted as set out in Retained EU Regulation 1331/2008. Use levels mirror EU/Northern Ireland legislation.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1other. Consultation pack on applications for authorisation of miscellaneous regulated products: two novel foods, one flavouring and one food additive. food.gov.uk
- 2EFSA. Food flavouring application procedure — EFSA. efsa.europa.eu
- 3FDA. Food Additive Status List — FDA. fda.gov
- 4PubMed. Physical Approaches to Masking Bitter Taste: Lessons from Food and Pharmaceuticals, 2016. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 — Appendix A: List of Food Additives, 2011. fssai.gov.in
