About
Cumin is a dried seed spice derived from Cuminum cyminum L. of the Apiaceae family, used whole, cracked, or ground to impart a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavour to food. It is one of the most widely traded spices globally and has a centuries-long history of culinary and traditional medicinal use.
Safety summary
Cumin is considered safe at normal culinary quantities, with no established acceptable daily intake (ADI), reflecting its long history of use as a food ingredient. EFSA (2022) assessed cumin oil components and found no consumer safety concerns at proposed use levels, noting that approximately 90% of cumin oil's chemical constituents are already authorised for use in food without limitations. Occupational exposure to cumin oil may cause skin and eye irritation and act as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser; individuals with known hypersensitivity to other Apiaceae family plants (e.g., coriander, fennel, caraway) should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Cumin as a whole spice or ground spice is permitted for use in food in the EU without a specific E number or individual authorisation, as it is a traditional food ingredient rather than a food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Cumin oil components are authorised for use as food flavourings without limitations under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. EFSA (2022) assessed cumin oil safety for use in animal feed (up to 15 mg/kg complete feed) and found no consumer safety concerns.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | FSSAI has adopted Codex Standard CXS 327-2017 for cumin, specifying that cumin (whole, cracked, or ground) must not exceed 10% moisture and shall be free from any foreign odour or flavour, especially mustiness.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Listed as GRAS under 21 CFR 182.10 (Spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings). No maximum daily intake established; safe use is based on common use in food prior to 1958 and long-standing recognition by qualified experts.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 182.10 – Spices and Other Natural Seasonings and Flavorings. accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 – Chapter 2.9: Salt, Spices, Condiments and Related Products. fssai.gov.in
- 3FDA. 21 CFR 182.10 – Spices and Other Natural Seasonings and Flavorings (GRAS). ecfr.gov
- 4FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations – Chapter 2.9: Salt, Spices, Condiments and Related Products (Version 2, 04.11.2024), 2024. fssai.gov.in
- 5PubMed. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the fruit of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl), 2022. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
