Yerba Mate Extract
Yerba mate is a caffeinated plant extract used widely as a beverage. IARC (1991) classified "hot mate drinking" as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic) due to esophageal cancer risk attributed to thermal injury, not the mate itself.
What it is
Concentrated extract of Ilex paraguariensis leaves; contains caffeine, theobromine, polyphenols.
Stimulant, flavor, traditional beverage.
Why it's flagged
- caffeine content
- very hot consumption – esophageal cancer risk
- PAHs in some traditionally cured products
What regulators actually say
"Drinking very hot beverages above 65°C was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A)... Drinking mate that is not very hot is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3)."
"Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mate were found at concentrations comparable to those found in heavily smoked foods."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Yerba mate GRAS as natural flavoring under 21 CFR 172.510 (Yerba santa is separate listing); commonly self-affirmed GRAS.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized food/beverage; novel-food rules apply only to specific processed extracts.
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