Use of Safrole, Oil of Sassafras,
Dihydrosafrole, and Iso-safrole
Proprietors of distilled spirits plants and
of bonded wine cellars, manufacturers
of nonbeverage products, and others
concerned:
This is to advise you that effective November 30, 1960, the Food and Drug
Administration of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare has refused
to authorize the use in food of safrole, oil of sassafras, dihydrosafrole, and
iso-safrole.
Laboratory studies by the Food and Drug Administration demonstrated safrole,
which is also the principal component of oil of sassafras, to be a carcinogen,
and dihydrosafrole and iso-safrole to cause liver damage to test animals. Ac-
cordingly if you are using any of these ingredients in rectified products,
special natural wines, or nonbeverage food products pursuant to an approved
formula, the use thereof should be discontinued and the ingredients should be
eliminated from the formula. The elimination of these ingredients from the
formula may be accomplished in accordance with provisions of the applicable
regulations.
Manufacturers of nonbeverage products are further advised that it will
be considered contrary to public interest to allow drawback of tax on spirits
used, in the future, in the manufacture of nonbeverage food products containing
safrole, oil of sassafras, dihydrosafrole, or iso-safrole.
Inquiries regarding this circular should refer to its number and be ad-
dressed to your assistant regional commissioner, alcohol and tobacco tax.
Dwight E. Avis
Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division
GPO 905158
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