Juniperus Virginiana
Juniperus virginiana is botanically and toxicologically distinct from edible juniper berry (Juniperus communis). Its essential oil (cedarwood oil) is used in fragrance, not food, and contains terpenes that can be irritating and have not been evaluated as safe for ingestion.
What it is
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), a North American conifer; wood and oil contain cedrol, alpha-cedrene, and thujone-like terpenoids.
Not generally used as a food. Used in cosmetics, fragrances, and incense.
Why it's flagged
- Not GRAS for food use
- Essential oil contains toxic terpenoids
- Botanically distinct from edible Juniperus communis
What regulators actually say
"Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is listed as a GRAS essential oil and natural extractive; Juniperus virginiana is not included."
"Cedarwood oils, including those from Juniperus virginiana, are evaluated as cosmetic fragrance ingredients with reported skin irritation potential at high concentrations; not assessed as foods."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS as food; only Juniperus communis listed in 21 CFR 182.20.
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as flavoring source under EU 1334/2008 Union list (only J. communis is).
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