About
Natural peppermint flavour is derived from the essential oil or extract of the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita L.), whose primary bioactive constituent is l-menthol. It is widely used in foods, beverages, confectionery, chewing gum, oral-care products, and pharmaceuticals for its characteristic cool, minty taste and aroma.
Safety summary
At typical food-use levels, natural peppermint flavour is considered safe for the general adult population, recognised as GRAS by the FDA and permitted in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with no formal ADI established at normal use levels. The primary constituent, menthol, may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in susceptible adults. Very high doses of peppermint oil have been associated with nausea, vomiting, and CNS toxicity; infants and young children are especially sensitive to menthol and require particular caution.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised as a natural flavouring preparation under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings used in or on foods. Included in the Union list of flavourings; chemically-defined components such as menthol are further assessed by EFSA through Flavouring Group Evaluations (FGEs). No E-number is assigned to the natural preparation.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Natural flavours including natural peppermint flavour are permitted under Regulation 3.3.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, which came into force on 5 August 2011.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Listed in FDA Substances Added to Food inventory (formerly EAFUS); holds FEMA GRAS No. 2848 for use as a natural flavouring in food at Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) levels. Natural flavours are broadly recognised as safe under 21 CFR Part 182.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) — Peppermint, oil (Mentha piperita L.). hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 2EFSA. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the aerial parts of Mentha × piperita L. (peppermint oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl), 2023. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, 2011. fssai.gov.in
- 4other. Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods, 2008. eur-lex.europa.eu
- 5PubMed. Final report on the safety assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water, 2001. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
