Acorus Calamus Root Extract
Calamus root and beta-asarone are prohibited in food in the United States. Beta-asarone is genotoxic and carcinogenic in animal studies.
What it is
Extract from sweet flag (Acorus calamus) rhizome; contains beta-asarone, a compound with toxicity concerns.
Historically used as flavoring; banned/restricted in many jurisdictions due to beta-asarone.
Why it's flagged
- beta-asarone genotoxicity
- carcinogen in animal studies
- FDA prohibition in food
What regulators actually say
"Calamus, the dried rhizome of Acorus calamus L.... has been the subject of extensive new investigations which indicate it to be a carcinogen. Food containing any added calamus... is deemed to be adulterated."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Calamus and its derivatives prohibited from food use under 21 CFR 189.110.
European Union — EFSA
Beta-asarone restricted to maximum levels in alcoholic beverages and foods (Regulation EC 1334/2008).
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