Isoamyl acetate
Isoamyl acetate

Isoamyl acetate

Common names: Banana oil, Isopentyl acetate, 3-Methylbutyl acetate, Essences de Poire (French brand name), Flavouring agent 1016 (European food additive code).
See the full list of safe or harmful ingredients on the Food Ingredient Checker
KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
See methodology
Safe
Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD
Isoamyl acetate, commonly known as banana oil, is an ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and acetic acid. It is widely used in the food industry as a flavoring agent due to its strong banana-like aroma, enhancing the sensory appeal of various products. Additionally, isoamyl acetate is utilized in the production of beverages, including certain wines and beers, where it contributes to their characteristic fruity notes.[1]
While isoamyl acetate is generally recognized as safe for consumption, concerns have been raised regarding its inhalation in occupational settings. Studies have indicated that high concentrations of inhaled flavoring compounds, such as isoamyl acetate, may pose health risks, particularly affecting the respiratory system. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and regulate exposure levels to ensure safety in both industrial applications and consumer products.[2]

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)
Isoamyl acetate is listed among substances added to food, recognized as safe under specific conditions.[3]
Health Canada
Isoamyl acetate is not listed among novel food ingredients, indicating it is considered non-novel and generally accepted in food products.[4]
EFSA (Europe)
EFSA has evaluated isoamyl acetate and identified no safety concerns for consumers when used at established levels in animal feed.[5]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated isoamyl acetate, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-3 mg/kg body weight.[6]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Classified

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group
  • EWG Rating: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has assessed amyl acetate, a compound similar to isoamyl acetate, and assigned it a low hazard rating for cancer risk.[7]
  • Level of Caution: The EWG indicates a moderate concern for allergies and immunotoxicity associated with amyl acetate. [7]
  • Possible Health Risks: Potential health risks of amyl acetate include respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects upon inhalation at high concentrations.[8]
get life saving Recall Alerts for parents
Sign up for free recall alerts today.
Sign Up

More about Isoamyl acetate

  • Baked Goods: Cakes, Pastries, Muffins
  • Confectionery: Chewing Gum, Hard Candies, Fruit-Flavored Gels
  • Beverages: Flavored Alcoholic Drinks, Soft Drinks, Fruit Juices

Historical Use
Isoamyl acetate, commonly known as banana oil, has been utilized since the early 20th century for its distinctive fruity aroma, serving as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, as well as a fragrance component in perfumes and personal care products.[9] Additionally, it has been employed as a solvent in various industrial applications, including the formulation of varnishes and lacquers.[9]
Current Exposure
Today, consumers are primarily exposed to isoamyl acetate through its natural occurrence in fruits like bananas and apples, as well as its intentional addition to flavored foods, candies, and beverages to impart a fruity taste.[10] Occupational exposure may occur in industries where isoamyl acetate is used as a solvent or flavoring agent, necessitating appropriate safety measures to mitigate inhalation risks.[10]

Respiratory Irritation
Inhalation of high concentrations of isoamyl acetate can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.[11]
Central Nervous System Depression
Exposure to elevated levels may cause central nervous system depression, resulting in dizziness, headache, and fatigue.[11]
Skin and Eye Irritation
Direct contact with isoamyl acetate can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, potentially leading to redness and discomfort.[11]
Low Acute Toxicity
Studies indicate that isoamyl acetate has a low order of acute toxicity, with high oral lethal doses in animal models.[12]

Toxicological Studies
Acute toxicity assessments indicate that isoamyl acetate has a low toxicity profile, with oral LD₅₀ values of 16,600 mg/kg in rats and 7,422 mg/kg in rabbits. Inhalation studies have shown that exposure to 1,000 ppm for 30 minutes can cause irritation and discomfort in humans.[13]
Long-Term Safety
Chronic exposure data are limited; however, prolonged or repeated skin contact may lead to dryness and cracking. No significant evidence suggests carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity associated with isoamyl acetate.[11]

High-Risk Groups
Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, may be more susceptible to the irritant effects of isoamyl acetate, especially in occupational settings with elevated airborne concentrations.[13]
Health Impacts
Exposure to high levels of isoamyl acetate can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, and central nervous system depression; vulnerable populations may experience exacerbated symptoms even at lower exposure levels.[11]

Recommended Intake
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for isoamyl acetate of 0-3 mg per kilogram of body weight, indicating it is safe for consumption within these limits.[6]

General Safety Level
Isoamyl acetate is widely used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component, with studies indicating a low incidence of allergic reactions among the general population.[14]
Sensitive Individuals
While uncommon, some sensitive individuals may experience skin or respiratory irritation upon exposure to isoamyl acetate, particularly in occupational settings with high airborne concentrations.[11]

FAQ

What are the hazards of isoamyl acetate?

Isoamyl acetate can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and high concentrations may lead to dizziness or headaches.

What precautions should be taken when using isoamyl acetate?

Use isoamyl acetate in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves and eyewear, and avoid prolonged inhalation or skin contact.

What are the safety hazards of isoamyl?

Isoamyl compounds, including isoamyl acetate, are flammable and can cause irritation or central nervous system depression if inhaled in large amounts.

References

  1. Gao C et al. 2016 Enhanced synthesis of isoamyl acetate using liquid-gas biphasic enzymatic catalysis in a microchannel reactor Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering 21 768-775 Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12257-016-0616-4 ↩︎
  2. Raja S et al. 2020 Policy toxicology and physicochemical considerations on the effects of vaping npj Science of Food 4 4 Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-020-00075-y ↩︎
  3. US Food and Drug Administration FDA n.d. Substances Added to Food formerly EAFUS - Isoamyl Acetate Available at: https://www.hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=ISOAMYLACETATE ↩︎
  4. Health Canada 2023 List of non-novel determinations for food and food ingredients Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/genetically-modified-foods-other-novel-foods/requesting-novelty-determination/list-non-novel-determinations.html ↩︎
  5. European Food Safety Authority EFSA 2012 Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of branched-chain primary aliphatic alcohols/aldehydes/acids acetals and esters with esters containing branched-chain alcohols and acetals containing branched-chain aldehydes chemical group 2 when used as flavourings for all animal species EFSA Journal 10(10) 2927 Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2927 ↩︎
  6. World Health Organization WHO 1996 Isoamyl acetate Available at: https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/174 ↩︎
  7. Environmental Working Group EWG n.d. AMYL ACETATE Available at: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700397-AMYL_ACETATE/ ↩︎
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC n.d. Isoamyl acetate - IDLH Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/123922.html ↩︎
  9. American Chemical Society ACS 2007 Isoamyl Acetate Available at: https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/i/isoamyl-acetate.html ↩︎
  10. National Toxicology Program NTP 2011 Nomination Background Isoamyl acetate CASRN 123-92-2 Available at: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/isoamylacetate_508.pdf ↩︎
  11. New Jersey Department of Health 2008 Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet - Isoamyl Acetate Available at: https://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1038.pdf ↩︎
  12. Environmental Protection Agency EPA 2017 Isoamyl Acetate Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance Available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/03/22/2017-05701/isoamyl-acetate-exemption-from-the-requirement-of-a-tolerance ↩︎
  13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC n.d. Isoamyl acetate - IDLH Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/123922.html ↩︎
  14. Safety Assessment of Amyl Acetate and Isoamyl Acetate as Used in Cosmetics 2020 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Available at: https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Amyl%20Acetate.pdf ↩︎

Recent Recalls

  • 07/24/2026Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Recalls Not Ready-To-Eat (NRTE) Bacon Product Imported without the Benefit of Import ReinspectionSee recall
  • 07/23/2026BCI Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Noodle Soup Product Imported without the Benefit of Import ReinspectionSee recall
  • 07/22/2026Fresh & Ready Foods LLC Recalls Spicy Breakfast Burrito due to Undeclared SoySee recall
  • 07/27/2026Fromagerie P. Jacquin & Fils brand Valençay AOP "fromage de chèvre au lait cru" recalled due to generic E. colSee recall
  • 07/24/2026Cadbury brand Dairy Milk Oreo Candy (bar) recalled due to undeclared pistachioSee recall
  • 07/23/2026Briine brand Pacific Tide Sparkling Spring Water recalled due to bulging cansSee recall

Similar Ingredients

Methyl anthranilate (grape)
SafeMethyl anthranilate (grape)
Amyl acetate (pear or banana)
SafeAmyl acetate (pear or banana)
get life saving Recall Alerts for parents
Sign up for free recall alerts today.
Sign Up