Origin
E 1519 is not extracted from natural products for use in industrial food production, but is produced through a chemical reaction from toluene. Benzyl alcohol has a bitter, numbing taste, but an agreeable scent and appears as a colorless, slightly oily liquid that is not very soluble in water.
Usage
E 1519 is only permitted for the production of flavorings and can usually be detected in the following products: confectionery, chocolate, cookies, cakes, cocktails, liqueurs, as well as wine-containing beverages with added aromas. The maximum quantity limit is 100 mg/l for liquid foods and 250 mg/kg for solid foodstuffs.
Risks
Benzyl alcohol is considered a harmless food additive for the human organism. The established ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) is 5 mg/kg body weight. However, allergy sufferers should be cautious when consuming foods containing E 1519 because it is known that contact allergies can develop in connection with E 1519.