E1519: Benzyl Alcohol
Main role: carrying flavors
Also listed as: phenylmethanol
What is E1519 (Benzyl Alcohol)?
Benzyl alcohol is a specified aromatic alcohol used in narrowly defined flavor or carrier applications. Its name does not make it equivalent to beverage alcohol ethanol.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is carrying flavors. A carrier helps incorporate another ingredient, while a processing ingredient may support a manufacturing step or coating. The final declaration and exposure depend on the application and the labeling rules in the relevant market.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified flavor preparations
- Narrowly permitted ingredient carriers
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E1519, E 1519, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include phenylmethanol. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The word alcohol covers many distinct compounds. Permitted benzyl-alcohol food uses should be assessed by their own specification and limits rather than by ethanol drinking guidelines.
Is E1519 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E1519 as Benzyl alcohol. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.