Fennel
Fennel is a whole food/spice and is GRAS as a natural seasoning under 21 CFR 182.10 (fennel sweet and bitter) and 182.20 (essential oils). At culinary intake there are no recognized safety concerns.
What it is
Foeniculum vulgare - aromatic plant whose bulb, leaves, seeds, and oil are used as food. Contains anethole (the dominant aroma compound) and other essential oils.
Vegetable (bulb), spice (seeds), or flavoring (oil/extract).
Why it's flagged
- concentrated essential oil at therapeutic doses warrants caution in pregnancy (does not apply to dietary use)
What regulators actually say
"Spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings... Fennel, common (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Fennel, sweet (finocchio) (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. var. dulce (DC.) Alef.)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as spice (21 CFR 182.10) and essential oil (21 CFR 182.20).
European Union — EFSA
Permitted as flavoring; food use unrestricted.
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