About
Saffron oil is the volatile (essential) oil extracted from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., with safranal as its primary aroma compound. It is used in food as a natural flavoring and coloring agent, imparting the characteristic floral-honey scent and golden hue associated with saffron.
Safety summary
JECFA regards saffron as a food ingredient rather than a food additive, with a long-established history of safe use at culinary levels and no formal ADI established. At typical food-use concentrations the ingredient is considered safe for the general adult population with no significant documented toxicity. Concentrated or supplemental doses may pose risks, including potential uterotonic activity, and are of particular concern during pregnancy.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Saffron and its derived oil are not assigned an E-number under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Saffron is historically used as a food/spice and is generally permitted under EU food law without a specific additive listing.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Saffron is listed as a permitted natural colorant in FSSAI Appendix A of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is listed as a color additive exempt from batch certification for general use in food under 21 CFR 73.500. As an essential oil/flavoring it is also covered under natural flavoring GRAS provisions (21 CFR 182).source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. 21 CFR 73.500 – Saffron (Color Additives Exempt from Certification). accessdata.fda.gov
- 2WHO. JECFA Database Entry: CI Natural Yellow 6 (Saffron — Crocus sativus L.). apps.who.int
- 3FDA. FDA Regulatory Status of Color Additives – Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.). hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 4FSSAI. FSSAI Appendix A and B (Revised): List of Food Additives – Natural Colorants, 2011. fssai.gov.in
- 5WHO. JECFA Monograph: SAFFRON (Prepared at the 29th JECFA, 1985; updated 2002), 1985. fao.org
