[LucyT]

Bioterrorism?

*Sotolon, also known as *sotolone and fenugreek lactone, is an extremely powerful aroma compound with the typical smell of fenugreek and maple syrup.

The GC-MS analyses of ethanolic extracts from hairy roots revealed the presence of two important compounds: *sotolone (1.2% of the volatile fraction) and 3-amino-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone (17% of the volatile fraction).

These results point out that biotechnological production of *sotolone in **bioreactors is possible.

**Bioreactor:
An apparatus, such as a large fermentation chamber, for growing organisms such as bacteria or yeast that are used
in the biotechnological production of substances such as pharmaceuticals, antibodies, or vaccines, or for the bioconversion of organic waste.
Also:
Production System for Biopharmaceuticals.

[CindyDawg]

I didn't want to be the first to post about sweet smells and chemicals:') Maybe just an I hop vent. Maybe a test by good or bad guys .

[motzman]

Bioterrorism?

That's what I thought. The first time this happened about a month ago, I was leaving a job in Jersey right on the Hudson and could smell it--it was more of a burnt almond hazelnut kind of smell. I thought it could have been bioterrorism, as it was a different kind of smell then you get from a flavor/fragrance operation.

But then again, I'm extremly paranoid and I'm sure you knew that already since you're probably the one that tapped my phones...

[DBrow]

Sotolon is not toxic, though; it's a common food flavoring additive.

It's found in foenugreek seeds and is artificial maple syrup flavor, and is used in cheaper port wines to make them seem more "aged". The odor threshold is much less than a ppm or so.

If there were another chemical with a similar smell, I'd agree with your conjecture.