Organic Yerba Mate Leaves
Also known as: organic yerba mate
Yerba mate contains caffeine and is widely consumed. Some epidemiological studies have associated very hot mate consumption (>65°C) with increased risk of esophageal cancer; IARC classified 'very hot beverages' as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic), with mate per se downgraded to Group 3 when consumed at non-scalding temperatures.
What it is
Leaves of Ilex paraguariensis grown without synthetic pesticides; used to brew yerba mate, a caffeinated South American beverage.
Beverage ingredient; source of caffeine, polyphenols, and theobromine.
Why it's flagged
- consumption at very hot temperatures linked to esophageal cancer (IARC 2A for hot beverages)
- caffeine content
What regulators actually say
"Drinking very hot beverages above 65 degrees Celsius was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A)."
"Essential oils, oleoresins... generally recognized as safe... Mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as natural flavoring (21 CFR 182.20)
European Union — EFSA
Traditional food/herbal product
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