Tea Leaf
Also known as: tea leaves
Tea leaves from Camellia sinensis are GRAS as natural flavoring (21 CFR 182.20). Tea is widely consumed worldwide with documented health benefits at moderate intake.
What it is
Leaves of Camellia sinensis, used for green, black, white, and oolong teas.
Beverage ingredient; source of caffeine and polyphenols (catechins, theaflavins).
Why it's flagged
- caffeine content
- high-dose green tea extract supplements linked to rare liver injury
What regulators actually say
"Essential oils, oleoresins... generally recognized as safe... Tea (Thea sinensis L.)."
"Catechins from green tea infusions prepared in traditional way and reconstituted drinks with an equivalent composition are generally considered to be safe... Doses of EGCG ≥800 mg/day taken as food supplement are linked to hepatotoxicity."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS natural flavoring (21 CFR 182.20)
European Union — EFSA
Traditional food/beverage; EFSA flagged green tea catechin extracts ≥800 mg EGCG/day as potentially hepatotoxic
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