# Opopanax, Non-specific

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977136-06-3
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Opopanax, Non-specific refers to extracts or compounds derived from Opopanax plants, though its specific application in food remains poorly documented. This additive has not been formally approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) and its functional role in food products is currently unknown.

## 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 Opopanax, Non-specific?

Oopopanax, Non-specific (CAS Number: 977136-06-3) is a substance derived from Opopanax plants, genus Opopanax, which belong to the Apiaceae (carrot/parsley) family. The term "non-specific" suggests this classification encompasses various plant extracts, resins, or gum compounds from opopanax species without precise chemical characterization. Opopanax plants have been used historically in traditional medicine and fragrance applications, though their role in modern food manufacturing remains unclear.

## Common Uses

While opopanax has traditional uses in perfumery and herbal medicine, its specific application as a food additive is not well-documented in available scientific literature or regulatory databases. The "unknown" functional designation suggests that if opopanax is used in food products, its intended purpose—whether as a flavoring agent, fragrance compound, preservative, or texture modifier—has not been clearly established or communicated through regulatory channels. This lack of documentation is unusual for approved food additives and may indicate either minimal use or use under different nomenclature.

## Safety Assessment

No adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding opopanax, non-specific, and no product recalls involving this substance have been documented. However, the absence of adverse event reports does not necessarily indicate extensive safety testing or approval. The lack of FDA GRAS status is significant; it suggests this substance has not undergone the rigorous self-affirmation process required for GRAS designation, nor has it been formally affirmed by FDA as safe for its intended use.

Historical use of opopanax in traditional preparations and fragrances provides limited safety context, but such uses differ substantially from food additive applications. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family should exercise caution, as cross-reactivity is possible, though specific allergenicity data for food applications is not readily available.

## Regulatory Status

Oopopanax, Non-specific has not achieved FDA GRAS status and does not appear on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance list. It is not listed as an approved color additive, food preservative, or intentional food ingredient in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21. Its regulatory standing in other jurisdictions, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has not been clearly defined in publicly available databases.

The absence of regulatory approval or clear functional classification raises questions about whether this substance is intentionally used in food or merely appears in regulatory databases due to residual plant material from other approved ingredients. Manufacturers using this substance would be responsible for demonstrating its safety or obtaining regulatory clearance.

## Key Studies

No specific peer-reviewed studies examining opopanax as a food additive appear in major scientific databases. Historical literature on opopanax focuses primarily on its botanical properties, traditional medicinal uses, and fragrance applications rather than food safety or efficacy. The lack of published safety, toxicology, or efficacy studies further supports the "unknown" functional classification and contributes to regulatory uncertainty.

Any company considering the use of opopanax in food products would need to conduct appropriate safety studies, including toxicity assessments and stability data, and likely pursue a Food Additive Petition (FAP) with the FDA or equivalent regulatory authorization in target markets.

## 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. "Opopanax, Non-specific — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/opopanax-non-specific. Accessed 2026-05-19.