FlavScents AInsights Entry: Mandarin Oil Italy (CAS: 8008-31-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Mandarin oil Italy, also known as Citrus reticulata Blanco oil, is a natural complex material derived from the peel of the mandarin fruit. It is classified under CAS number 8008-31-9. This essential oil does not have a single IUPAC name due to its complex nature. It is recognized by FEMA number 2657 and is listed in various regulatory databases under different identifiers, including FL number 2825. As a natural complex material, mandarin oil Italy is composed of a variety of constituents, primarily terpenes and aldehydes, which contribute to its characteristic aroma and flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Mandarin oil Italy is renowned for its fresh, sweet, and citrusy aroma, often described as having a bright and uplifting character. The oil exhibits moderate intensity and excellent diffusion, making it a popular choice for both flavor and fragrance applications. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing a vibrant top note in formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its strong citrus profile suggests it is effective even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Mandarin oil Italy is naturally sourced from the peel of the Citrus reticulata Blanco, commonly known as the mandarin orange. The oil is obtained through cold pressing, a method that preserves the delicate aromatic compounds. This essential oil is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products. The composition of mandarin oil can vary based on factors such as the geographical origin of the fruit, the harvest season, and the extraction process.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, mandarin oil Italy is used across various categories, including beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. It serves as a key ingredient in citrus flavor blends, providing a fresh and authentic mandarin note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light, necessitating careful formulation and storage.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Mandarin oil Italy is a versatile component in the fragrance industry, commonly used in citrus, floral, and gourmand fragrance families. It functions as a top note, imparting a fresh and lively character to perfumes, colognes, and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 3%, depending on the desired impact and product type. The oil's high volatility contributes to its effectiveness as a top note, providing an immediate burst of freshness upon application.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Mandarin oil Italy is composed of several key constituents, including limonene, γ-terpinene, and α-pinene, which are responsible for its characteristic citrus aroma. Other notable components include citral and linalool, which add complexity and depth to the oil's profile. The composition of these constituents can vary significantly based on factors such as the fruit's origin and the extraction method used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Mandarin oil Italy is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use in the United States, as per FEMA guidelines. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and is assigned FL number 2825. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for essential oils, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, regulatory frameworks vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries generally following international norms.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Mandarin oil Italy is considered safe for oral exposure when used within recommended limits, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under typical usage conditions. For dermal exposure, the oil is not known to be a significant irritant or sensitizer, although IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product applications. Inhalation exposure is generally safe, but care should be taken in occupational settings to avoid excessive inhalation of volatile compounds.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Mandarin oil Italy is valued for its bright and authentic citrus profile, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus oils and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a blend. Formulators should be mindful of its volatility and potential for oxidation, which can be mitigated by using antioxidants and proper storage. Overuse can lead to an overpowering citrus note, while underuse may result in a lack of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on mandarin oil Italy is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability exists due to the natural origin of the material. Known data gaps include specific ADI values and detailed sensory thresholds, which are often addressed through industry-typical practices and expert judgment.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• Includes section 5a for complex natural material

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-01-28 20:15:12 GMT (p2)