E1519 · Benzyl alcohol
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Benzyl alcohol yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E1519?
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild, pleasant fragrance, used as a solvent, preservative, and flavoring agent in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It occurs naturally in some fruits and teas and helps extend product shelf life through its antimicrobial properties. While generally recognized as safe at regulated levels, it can cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals, and concentrated ingestion (particularly in infants, where it has been linked to \"gasping syndrome\" from IV formulations) can be harmful.
Also appears on labels as: E1519, E 1519, E-1519, INS 1519, Benzyl alcohol, Phenylmethanol, Phenylcarbinol, Benzenemethanol, α-hydroxytoluene, Hydroxymethylbenzene, C6H5CH2OH, CAS 100-51-6.
What the evidence says
- Can cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation and allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly via cosmetic or topical exposure.
- High-dose or intravenous exposure has been linked to toxicity in infants ("gasping syndrome"); this is specific to injectable formulations, not typical dietary exposure.
- Generally recognized as safe at the low levels used as a food flavoring or preservative.
Frequently asked questions
Is E1519 safe?
Our overall verdict for E1519 (Benzyl alcohol) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E1519 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Benzyl alcohol — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E1519 and why is it used?
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild, pleasant fragrance, used as a solvent, preservative, and flavoring agent in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It occurs naturally in some fruits and teas and helps extend product shelf life through its antimicrobial properties. While generally recognized as safe at regulated levels, it can cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals, and concentrated ingestion (particularly in infants, where it has been linked to \"gasping syndrome\" from IV formulations) can be harmful.
Does E1519 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Benzyl alcohol, though some people report sensitivity (May cause contact allergy or irritation in sensitive individuals, mainly via topical/cosmetic exposure).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.