Is michelia leaf oil approved for food and flavour use?
Yes — michelia leaf oil is an approved food flavouring substance in China (GB 2760-2024 natural flavouring, entry N030) and in the USA (FEMA GRAS 3950). It is typically used in tea-type, floral and chewing-gum flavours.
Approval Summary
| Market | Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|
| China | GB 2760-2024 Annex B, natural flavouring No. N030 (white michelia leaf oil) | Approved — use as needed per production practice |
| China (product standard) | GB 1886.276-2016 Food additive — michelia leaf oil | Current — mandatory quality standard (linalool ≥ 70%) |
| USA | FEMA GRAS 3950 / FDA 21 CFR §182.20 | GRAS for flavour use |
| EU | Flavour regulation (EC) 1334/2008 (natural flavouring preparation) | Permitted as a natural flavouring |
Flavour Profile & Usage
- Fresh floral-green character that reads as clean tea notes — useful in jasmine/green tea-flavoured drinks, confectionery and oral-care flavours
- Linalool (70-89%) gives the oily-sweet floral lift; nerolidol (~3.5%) adds soft woody depth
- Typical use levels: 1-20 ppm in finished beverages, higher in chewing gum where the floral note is needed at the front
- The GB 2760 natural flavouring status means no use-level cap beyond good manufacturing practice
- We can supply the food-grade lot with GB 1886.276 COA, GC-MS and heavy-metal results for your dossier
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This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.
