About
Pomegranate seed is the edible seed of Punica granatum L., used whole, powdered, or as a cold-pressed oil; it is rich in the unique conjugated fatty acid punicic acid, polyphenols (including punicalagins and gallic acid), phytosterols, and tocopherols. It is used in food products as a functional ingredient, natural antioxidant, dietary fibre source, and antimicrobial agent.
Safety summary
Pomegranate seed and its derivatives are broadly considered safe for the general adult population, with no evidence of genotoxicity or cytotoxicity reported in subchronic animal and human studies; pomegranate fruit extract was granted GRAS status by the US FDA. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, and rare allergic reactions have been documented. No established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) exists for the whole seed or its oil, as neither EFSA nor FDA has set a numerical ADI.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Health Canada (Canada) | Restricted | Health Canada assessed pomegranate rind extract (which includes aril seeds) as a supplemental ingredient; additional toxicological and nutritional safety data requested before full approval as a supplemental food ingredient. Pomegranate seeds consumed as part of whole fruit are permitted as conventional food.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | EFSA evaluated health claims for pomegranate/pomegranate juice in 2010 (EFSA Journal); pomegranate seed as a whole food ingredient is permitted under general food law (Regulation EC 178/2002); no specific maximum use level or ADI has been established for pomegranate seed per se.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Whole fruit pomegranate extract (GRN 001064) concluded GRAS under 21 CFR §170.30(a) and (b); intended use in dairy products, non-alcoholic beverages, and chocolate candy at ≤50 mg per serving, not exceeding 1000 mg/day; not for use in infant formula or foods marketed towards infants and young children.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1other. NCCIH: Pomegranate – Usefulness and Safety. nccih.nih.gov
- 2PubMed. Pomegranate seeds: a comprehensive review of traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties, 2024. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 001064 – Whole Fruit Pomegranate Extract (Verdure Sciences / Pomella®), 2023. fda.gov
- 4PubMed. Functional Compounds of Cold-Pressed Pomegranate Seed Oil: Fatty Acids and Phytosterols Profile as Quality Biomarkers for Origin Discrimination, 2023. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5PubMed. Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its Derivatives, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6EFSA. Pomegranate/pomegranate juice related health claims – EFSA Journal 2010, 2010. efsa.europa.eu
