Mint Oil
Peppermint oil and spearmint oil are listed as GRAS at 21 CFR 182.20 as essential oils. Used safely in food at flavoring levels.
What it is
Essential oil distilled from mint plants (typically Mentha piperita — peppermint, or Mentha spicata — spearmint); main constituents are menthol, menthone (peppermint) or carvone (spearmint).
Flavoring in food, beverages, confections, oral care, OTC drugs.
Why it's flagged
- Concentrated oil toxic if ingested in large amounts
- May worsen GERD
What regulators actually say
"Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.); Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) — Essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including distillates) that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Peppermint and spearmint oils GRAS as essential oils under 21 CFR 182.20.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted flavoring; pulegone limited in finished foods (Reg. 1334/2008).
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