"The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has developed the Compendium of Botanicals, an open-access database designed to assist in the safety assessment of plant-based ingredients used in food supplements. This resource compiles information on botanicals that are reported to contain naturally occurring substances potentially of concern for human health. The compendium includes data on over 2,700 plant species and more than 1,500 substances, focusing on their composition and associated toxicity or adverse effects. The information is sourced from published scientific literature, case reports, and risk assessment documents. It's important to note that the compendium does not assess the safety or suitability of the listed botanicals for food applications in Europe. Instead, it serves as a tool for hazard identification, providing valuable data for risk assessors, regulators, and industry stakeholders involved in evaluating the safety of botanicals and botanical preparations intended for use in food supplements. The latest version of the compendium was released in April 2025 and is accessible through EFSA’s official website. Users can explore the database to find detailed information on specific plant species, their chemical composition, and any reported adverse effects, aiding in informed decision-making regarding the use of botanicals in food products."
News Region:
European Union
News Market:
European Union