Tea Extract
Tea extract from Camellia sinensis is a recognized food ingredient with a long history of consumption. EFSA has identified a safety concern for high-dose green tea catechin (EGCG) intake from food supplements (≥800 mg EGCG/day) due to hepatotoxicity reports, and several countries have introduced labeling requirements.
What it is
An extract prepared from tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) — usually green or black tea — by aqueous or solvent extraction, containing polyphenols (catechins), caffeine, and other bioactives.
Provides flavor, color, antioxidant activity, and bioactive content in beverages and supplements.
Why it's flagged
- hepatotoxicity at high concentrated EGCG supplement doses
- caffeine content
What regulators actually say
"Based on the available data, the EFSA Panel concluded that catechins from green tea infusions, prepared in a traditional way, and reconstituted drinks with an equivalent composition, are in general considered to be safe... Doses of EGCG ≥ 800 mg/day taken as a food supplement have been shown to induce a statistically significant increase of serum transaminases."
"Case reports have linked green tea extract supplements to liver injury... Green tea contains caffeine; an 8-ounce cup typically contains 30-50 mg."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Tea is a traditional food; tea extracts permitted in foods. FDA has issued warnings on green-tea-extract supplement-related liver injury.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA Scientific Opinion 2018: doses ≥800 mg/day EGCG from food supplements raise hepatotoxicity concerns; brewed tea and food uses considered safe at typical exposures.
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