# Hyssop, Extract (hyssopus Officinalis L.)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 84603-66-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Hyssop extract is a flavoring agent derived from the hyssopus officinalis plant, used to impart herbal and minty notes to food and beverages. It is not approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA but has no reported adverse events or recalls associated with its use.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Hyssop, Extract?

Hyssop extract (CAS Number: 84603-66-7) is a flavoring substance derived from Hyssopus officinalis L., a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. The extract is produced by processing the leaves, flowers, and stems of the hyssop plant to concentrate its aromatic and flavor compounds. Hyssop has been used traditionally in European cuisine and herbal preparations for centuries, known for its distinctive warm, minty, and slightly bitter herbal flavor profile.

## Common Uses

In the food industry, hyssop extract functions as a flavoring agent and adjuvant, primarily used in:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs and bitters
- Herbal infusions and teas
- Seasoning blends and spice mixtures
- Flavored syrups and cordials
- Select pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products

The extract is valued for its ability to add complexity and herbal depth to formulations. Due to its potent flavor profile, it is typically used in small quantities to achieve the desired taste effect.

## Safety Assessment

Hyssop extract has generated no reported adverse events in FDA records and has not been subject to any food recalls. The safety profile appears favorable from a documented perspective. However, it is important to note that hyssop extract does not carry GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in the United States, which means it has not undergone the formal FDA evaluation process for this designation.

The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern but rather reflects the regulatory pathway and approval history. Some flavoring substances operate under food additive regulations without GRAS affirmation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated hyssop as a flavoring, and the plant itself has a long history of traditional use in culinary applications.

In typical food applications at flavoring levels, hyssop extract is used in quantities that are considered safe by industry standards. As with any botanical extract, individual sensitivities or allergies may occur in susceptible populations, though documented cases are rare.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, hyssop extract is regulated as a food additive under the FDA's food additive regulations. The absence of GRAS status means that its use in food products should comply with applicable food additive regulations, including any specifications regarding purity, composition, and acceptable use levels.

In the European Union, hyssop is listed among approved flavoring substances under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008. This regulatory recognition in major markets provides additional assurance regarding its safety and acceptability as a food ingredient.

Manufacturers using hyssop extract must ensure compliance with all applicable regulations in their respective markets, including labeling requirements and use level restrictions.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically addresses hyssop extract as a food additive. Most available scientific literature focuses on the plant's traditional medicinal uses and phytochemical composition rather than food safety evaluation. The primary compounds in hyssop include thymol, limonene, and various phenolic compounds.

The lack of reported adverse events combined with its long history of use in traditional cuisine suggests an acceptable safety margin at typical flavoring use levels. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to food additive applications would strengthen the safety database for this ingredient. Industry relies on quality standards, purity specifications, and established use levels to ensure consumer safety.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Hyssop, Extract (hyssopus Officinalis L.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/hyssop-extract-hyssopus-officinalis-l. Accessed 2026-05-19.