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Basil Oil

Also known as: Ocimum basilicum oil, sweet basil essential oil

Low concern

Safe at typical food flavoring levels. Some basil chemotypes contain estragole (methyl chavicol), which has shown genotoxic and carcinogenic effects in rodent studies at high doses, leading EU authorities to recommend limiting exposure from food.

What it is

Essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of basil (Ocimum basilicum).

Used as a natural flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in cosmetics.

Why it's flagged

Estragole content varies by chemotype; high estragole levels are a precautionary concern

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

GRAS as a natural flavoring (21 CFR 182.20)

European Union — EFSA

Authorised flavouring; estragole exposure flagged for risk management

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