About
Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) is a dried star-shaped fruit native to southern China, widely used as a spice and flavouring in food due to its sweet, liquorice-like aroma derived primarily from trans-anethole (75–90% of essential oil). It is used in both whole and powdered form in cooking, beverages, and as a source of essential oil for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Safety summary
Chinese star anise is GRAS for the general adult population at culinary intake levels, and its primary active compound trans-anethole is considered non-genotoxic and non-carcinogenic at low doses. The principal safety concern is adulteration with toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which contains potent GABA-receptor-blocking neurotoxins (anisatin, neoanisatin, pseudoanisatin) and has caused seizures and neurological illness, particularly in infants given star anise teas. Anethole can also act as a skin sensitizer in occupational or high-dose exposure settings.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Star anise oil (Illicium verum) is authorised as a feed additive in the EU Register under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Individual flavouring components (e.g., trans-anethole) are separately assessed and authorised for food use via the EU Flavour Information System (FLAVIS). EFSA has flagged estragole and safrole as substances of concern present in the essential oil.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Star anise is regulated under FSSAI Food Product Standards Chapter 2.9 (Salt, Spices, Condiments and Related Products) with defined quality standards including colour (brownish red or reddish brown), characteristic odour, and freedom from insects, moulds, and extraneous matter. FBOs required to comply by July 1, 2021.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is listed as GRAS as a spice and flavouring. FDA advisory (2003) warned against consumption of star anise teas due to risk of adulteration with toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum).source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1PubMed. Anise (LactMed entry) — National Library of Medicine. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2FDA. FDA GRAS Substances Database: anise, star (Illicium verum Hook. f.), 2025. hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 3FSSAI. 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
- 4EFSA. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the fruit of Illicium verum Hook.f. (star anise oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl), 2023. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5PubMed. Illicium verum (Star Anise) and Trans-Anethole as Valuable Raw Materials for Medicinal and Cosmetic Applications, 2022. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6PubMed. Apparent life-threatening event in infants: think about star anise intoxication!, 2011.
