The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is inviting feedback on its draft assessment of the potential health risks of estragole in fennel seed preparations, including herbal infusions.
The review comes after concerns from German authorities regarding fennel products intended for infants. Fennel seeds, commonly used in teas, spice mixes, and supplements, contain estragole, a naturally occurring compound that may damage DNA (genotoxic) and has been associated with cancer risk.
EFSA examined both sweet and bitter fennel seeds and found that, based on current scientific evidence, it was not possible to establish a safe level of exposure to estragole.
The assessment highlights that consumption of fennel seed preparations may be risky, especially for vulnerable populations such as babies, young children, and fetuses or breastfed infants if consumed by pregnant or lactating women.
Products where estragole has been removed during processing or is undetectable are not considered to pose a health risk.
EFSA is now seeking input from stakeholders, researchers, and the general public.
The consultation is open until 17 September 2025.
Those interested can submit comments via EFSA’s consultation portal: [Public Consultation: Draft Opinion on Fennel Fruit Preparations]
28.08.2025.
