Sassafras Officinale Bark/Root Extract
Safrole and sassafras oil/bark are prohibited from food in the US due to safrole's hepatocarcinogenic activity. IARC classifies safrole as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic).
What it is
Extract from sassafras (Sassafras albidum/officinale) bark and root, naturally containing safrole.
Historically used as flavoring (root beer, sassafras tea); now banned from food due to safrole content.
Why it's flagged
- hepatocarcinogenicity
- liver toxicity
- safrole content
What regulators actually say
"Food containing any added safrole, oil of sassafras, isosafrole, or dihydrosafrole, as such, or food containing any safrole, oil of sassafras, isosafrole, or dihydrosafrole (e.g., sassafras bark)... is deemed to be adulterated in violation of the act."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Prohibited from food (21 CFR 189.180); only safrole-free extract permitted
European Union — EFSA
Safrole banned/restricted as food flavoring
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app