What are the applications of vanillin? Is it harmful for you?

Vanillin is a white crystalline solid, the flavouring compound has many uses in beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, cosmetics and it is regarded as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as Flavor and Extract Manufacturer Association (FEMA). Consumption of vanillin in food is relatively safe but might elicit carcinogenesis when used in high concentration for therapeutic purposes. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) recommended an acceptable daily intake of vanillin for up to 10 mg/kg and was regarded as safe. In humans, vanillin inhalation for 1–1.5 h per day did not cause any harmful effect while the consumption of the compound, exerted eye and respiratory system mucous membrane irritations.

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