Peppermint Flavouring
Peppermint oil is GRAS as a flavoring per 21 CFR 182.20 and authorised in the EU under Regulation 1334/2008. At culinary flavoring doses it is well tolerated, but high-dose pulegone (a constituent of pennyroyal-mint hybrids) is hepatotoxic - EFSA has set restrictions for pulegone and menthofuran in foods.
What it is
Concentrated flavor preparation made from peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita), peppermint extract, or natural/artificial menthol-based aroma chemicals.
Flavoring agent imparting cooling minty taste.
Why it's flagged
- pulegone hepatotoxicity at high doses
- GERD/heartburn worsening
- infant apnea with topical menthol
What regulators actually say
"Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) - essential oils, oleoresins... are generally recognized as safe."
"Pulegone and menthofuran are genotoxic carcinogens in rodents; restrictions are necessary to protect consumers."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as natural flavor (21 CFR 182.20).
European Union — EFSA
Authorised flavouring; pulegone and menthofuran restricted under Annex III of Regulation (EC) 1334/2008.
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