Rosemary, Extract (rosmarinus Officinalis L.)

Rosemary extract (CAS Number: 84604-14-8) is a concentrated preparation derived from the leaves and stems of Rosmarinus officinalis L., a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. The extract is obtained through various extraction methods, including solvent extraction and steam distillation, which capture the volatile compounds and flavor constituents responsible for rosemary's characteristic peppery, piney, and herbaceous notes. The extract contains naturally occurring compounds such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and essential oils.

Rosemary extract is primarily used as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant in a wide range of food and beverage products. It is commonly incorporated into seasonings, soups, sauces, baked goods, beverages, meat products, and snack foods. Beyond its primary function as a flavor enhancer, rosemary extract has also been investigated for potential antioxidant properties in food preservation applications. The extract allows manufacturers to provide authentic rosemary flavor while maintaining consistency across product batches.

Rosemary extract has an extensive history of use in food applications, with no reported adverse events documented by the FDA and no associated recalls. The ingredient is generally recognized as safe for use in food products based on its long historical use and the absence of toxicological concerns in available safety literature. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated rosemary extracts and determined them to be safe for use as food additives under specified conditions and maximum use levels.

The safety profile of rosemary extract is supported by its natural origin and traditional use in culinary preparations. Toxicological studies in laboratory animals have not identified significant concerns at levels relevant to food use. The extract does not contain known carcinogens or allergens of significant concern, though individuals with sensitivities to plants in the Lamiaceae family should exercise caution.

Rosemary extract is not currently on the FDA's Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list, which means it does not have formal GRAS status in the United States. However, this classification status does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the additive may operate under alternative regulatory frameworks or that a formal GRAS petition has not been submitted. The ingredient is permitted for use in food products under FDA regulations as a flavoring agent. In the European Union, rosemary extracts are approved as food additives under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, with assigned E-numbers (E391, E392) depending on the specific type of extract.

Manufacturers utilizing rosemary extract must comply with applicable regulations regarding labeling, purity standards, and maximum use levels established in their respective jurisdictions.

Scientific literature on rosemary extract has primarily focused on its flavor compounds and potential antioxidant activity rather than safety concerns. Phytochemical analyses have characterized the bioactive constituents present in various types of rosemary extracts. Studies examining the traditional culinary use of rosemary demonstrate a long history of safe consumption across multiple cultures and cuisines. Research on the absorption and metabolism of rosemary extract compounds in humans supports the safety profile of the ingredient at food use levels. No significant genotoxic or reproductive toxicity concerns have been identified in available scientific literature.