Hierochloe Odorata
Sweetgrass contains coumarin, which has hepatotoxic potential at high chronic intake. EFSA established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day for coumarin.
What it is
Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), an aromatic grass containing coumarin used as a flavoring in some traditional spirits (e.g., żubrówka vodka).
Flavoring in flavored vodkas and herbal teas; traditional ceremonial use.
Why it's flagged
- Contains coumarin — hepatotoxic at high chronic intake (EFSA TDI 0.1 mg/kg bw/day)
What regulators actually say
"Coumarin, 1,2-benzopyrone (CAS 91-64-5)... is prohibited from use in human food."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Coumarin prohibited as food additive (21 CFR 189.130); flavored spirits made with sweetgrass had to be reformulated for U.S. import.
European Union — EFSA
Coumarin TDI 0.1 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2008); sweetgrass-flavored spirits permitted with maximum coumarin levels.
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