Tarragon
Tarragon is GRAS as a culinary herb. It contains estragole (methyl chavicol), which has shown carcinogenic potential in rodent studies at high doses, but exposure from culinary use is far below levels of concern.
What it is
Artemisia dracunculus, a culinary herb with anise-like flavor used fresh or dried.
Provides aromatic flavor to sauces (such as Béarnaise), dressings, and meat dishes.
Why it's flagged
- contains estragole, a potential genotoxic compound at high doses
What regulators actually say
"Spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings that are generally recognized as safe... include tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)."
"Estragole has been demonstrated to be genotoxic and carcinogenic in rodents and the existing data therefore indicate a potential concern for human health."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as spice under 21 CFR 182.10
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; estragole intake monitored under EFSA review
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