Sencha
Also known as: sencha green tea
Sencha is unfermented green tea, a whole-food beverage with a long history of safe consumption. It contains caffeine and L-theanine.
What it is
A Japanese-style green tea made from steamed Camellia sinensis leaves.
Beverage; ingredient in matcha-style preparations.
Why it's flagged
- caffeine content
What regulators actually say
"EGCG doses ≥800 mg/day taken as a food supplement may pose hepatic risks; green tea infusions consumed in traditional ways are considered safe."
"Tea (Thea sinensis L.) – essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are GRAS for use in food."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Tea is GRAS as a food/beverage; Camellia sinensis listed for natural flavoring uses.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted food; green tea catechin EFSA opinion notes hepatotoxicity concern only at high-dose extracts ≥800 mg/day EGCG.
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