Coumarin
FDA banned coumarin as a direct food additive in 1954 due to hepatotoxicity in animal studies. EFSA established a TDI of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day; high consumption of cassia cinnamon (which contains naturally occurring coumarin) can exceed this.
What it is
A naturally occurring fragrant compound found in tonka beans, cassia (Chinese) cinnamon, sweet woodruff, and others.
Banned as a direct food additive in the US since 1954; naturally present in cassia cinnamon and other foods.
Why it's flagged
- liver toxicity at high doses
- FDA-banned as direct additive
- cassia cinnamon overexposure risk
What regulators actually say
"Coumarin... has been determined by the Food and Drug Administration to present a risk to the public health and is hereby prohibited from use in human food."
"The Panel established a TDI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight/day for coumarin based on hepatotoxicity in dogs."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Banned as a direct food additive — 21 CFR 189.130.
European Union — EFSA
TDI of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day; restricted in flavorings under Reg. 1334/2008.
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