Thymol
Thymol is FDA-approved as a synthetic flavoring substance under 21 CFR 172.515 and is GRAS at flavoring use levels. Long history of safe culinary exposure; antimicrobial activity makes it useful as a natural preservative.
What it is
Monoterpene phenol (5-methyl-2-isopropylphenol) and the principal active component of thyme oil.
Synthetic flavoring substance; antimicrobial preservative.
Why it's flagged
- mucosal irritation at high concentrations (essential-oil ingestion)
- skin sensitization rare
What regulators actually say
"21 CFR 172.515 - Synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants ... thymol is on the permitted list."
"The main components in the essential oils of Thymus, thymol and carvacrol, are classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted synthetic flavoring under 21 CFR 172.515; thyme/thymol GRAS at flavoring levels
European Union — EFSA
Authorized flavoring under EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 / 872/2012
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