Methyl eugenol is a natural constituent in many types of plants and fruits consumed by humans and animals, (e.g., anise, nutmeg, mace, pixuri seeds, basil, blackberry essence, bananas, walnuts, citrus, black pepper). Methyl eugenol is also used as a flavoring added to ice cream, cookies, pies, puddings, candy, cola soft drinks, chewing and bubble gum, etc. 

Property

Methyl eugenol is a yellowish, naturally occurring liquid with a clove-like aroma that is present in many essential oils. It has a spicy earthy odor and a bitter taste. Methyl eugenol is seldom directly added to fragrance formulations, and usually occurs as part of natural ingredients, such as cinnamon leaf oil and clove leaf oil.

Uses

Methyl eugenol will be used in insect traps and lure products to attract certain fruit flies such as the Oriental fruit fly on affected food crops. It is naturally occurring in many plants and essential oils, and is a common flavoring ingredient added to foods, candy and gum. No harm is expected from use of this substance in pesticide products as long as users follow label instructions.

Assessing Risks to the Environment

Environmental exposure to ME is expected to be limited because the product is to be used only in the manufacture of bait-trap and lures; and therefore most of the requirements for non-targeted test species and other ecological testing were waived. On May 9, 2006, however, in 71 FR 26835-26852, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) of the Department of the Interior (DOI), placed 12 species of picture-wing fruit flies from the Hawaiian islands on the endangered or threatened list, and as ME is an attractant for fruit flies, manufacturers of end-use products must make sure products are not used in areas where these flies may be impacted.