Cumin | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

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

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

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

What food-safety regulators have decided.

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

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Other — Individuals with known hypersensitivity to other Apiaceae/Umbelliferae family plants (e.g., coriander, fennel, caraway, celery) may experience cross-reactive allergic responses to cumin, including urticaria or anaphylaxis in sensitised individuals.

Pregnancy — Medicinal or supplemental doses of cumin well beyond normal culinary quantities are traditionally cautioned during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects; amounts used in routine cooking are generally considered safe.

Ibs — Although cumin is sometimes used as a digestive aid, high quantities may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or reflux in sensitive individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

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

Independently researched11 citations