About
A complex mixture of volatile aroma and taste compounds derived exclusively from natural sources such as strawberry fruit (Fragaria spp.) via physical, microbiological, or enzymatic processes. It is added to food and beverage products to impart or intensify strawberry taste and aroma.
Safety summary
Natural strawberry flavour is broadly approved for use at Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) levels with no established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), reflecting a broad regulatory consensus that it is safe when used as intended. No IARC carcinogenicity classification applies, and no significant organ toxicity has been identified in authoritative reviews of natural fruit flavouring preparations. Rare hypersensitivity reactions may occur in individuals with strawberry allergy or salicylate sensitivity, as strawberry-derived compounds can contain natural salicylates.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Regulated as a 'flavouring preparation' under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Flavourings do not receive E numbers in the EU. The Union List of authorised flavourings (Annex I) applies. Naturally occurring undesirable substances that may be present in flavourings are subject to maximum level controls under the same regulation. EFSA's Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) conducts scientific risk assessments.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted as a 'Natural flavour and natural flavouring substance' under Regulation 3.3.1(1) of FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, at GMP levels. Per FSSAI Labelling and Display Regulations 2020, the class name 'Natural flavour(s) or Natural flavouring substances' must be declared on the label; the specific strawberry flavour source name need not be individually listed.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Regulated as a 'natural flavor' under 21 CFR 101.22 (derived from fruit). Natural extractives from plant sources including fruits are listed as GRAS under 21 CFR 182.20. FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association) independently evaluates GRAS status of constituent flavouring substances. Use is subject to GMP.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. 21 CFR 101.22 – Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives. ecfr.gov
- 2FDA. 21 CFR 182.20 – Essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including distillates). ecfr.gov
- 3EFSA. Scientific Guidance on the data required for the risk assessment of flavourings to be used in or on foods, 2022. efsa.europa.eu
- 4FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 – Flavouring Labelling Provisions, 2020. fssai.gov.in
- 5FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 – Appendix A: List of Food Additives, 2011. fssai.gov.in
- 6EFSA. Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods, 2008.