Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil
Wintergreen oil is ~98% methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic if ingested in concentrated form: as little as 6 mL (≈ one teaspoon) can be fatal, and 1 teaspoon is equivalent to about 7 g aspirin. FDA requires a warning label on products with >5% methyl salicylate.
What it is
Wintergreen essential oil distilled from Gaultheria procumbens leaves; ~98% methyl salicylate.
Flavoring in confectionery, gum, beverages, oral care; topical analgesic.
Why it's flagged
- ~98% methyl salicylate; as little as 6 mL (one teaspoon) can be fatal to children
- FDA-required warning labels on products with >5% methyl salicylate
What regulators actually say
"Preparations containing more than 5 percent methyl salicylate must bear adequate warnings against use except under the advice and consultation of a physician."
"Ingestion of one teaspoon of oil of wintergreen can be fatal. Wintergreen oil is highly concentrated and lipid soluble; therefore, it poses a threat of severe, rapid-onset salicylate poisoning."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Methyl salicylate / wintergreen oil GRAS as flavoring under 21 CFR 172.515 at very low levels; FDA requires warning labels on products with >5% methyl salicylate (21 CFR 201.314).
European Union — EFSA
Permitted as flavoring with restrictions; methyl salicylate in finished food limited under Reg. 1334/2008.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app