# Savory, Winter, Oleoresin (satureja Montana L.)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977029-76-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Savory, Winter, Oleoresin is a natural flavoring extract derived from Satureja montana L. (winter savory), a Mediterranean herb. It is used in food products to impart savory, herbaceous flavoring notes and is not currently approved as GRAS by the FDA.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Savory, Winter, Oleoresin?

Savory, Winter, Oleoresin (Satureja montana L.) is a concentrated flavoring extract obtained from winter savory, a perennial herb native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Oleoresins are natural mixtures of essential oils and resinous compounds extracted from plant material, typically through solvent extraction or mechanical pressing. This particular oleoresin captures the characteristic peppery, thyme-like flavor profile of winter savory leaves.

## Common Uses

Winter savory oleoresin is used primarily as a flavoring agent in the food industry to enhance savory profiles in various products. Potential applications include seasoning blends, processed meats, soups, sauces, and prepared foods where herbaceous, peppery notes are desired. The concentrated nature of oleoresins allows manufacturers to achieve consistent flavor delivery with relatively small quantities, making them efficient ingredients for commercial food production.

## Safety Assessment

No adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding this additive, and there are no associated recalls in FDA databases. Winter savory itself has a long history of culinary and traditional use in Mediterranean cuisine, which supports a general safety profile. However, the specific safety data for this oleoresin extract is limited in published scientific literature.

The herb Satureja montana has been studied for various biological properties. Some research indicates potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, though such studies do not constitute approval for food safety. As with many natural flavoring extracts, safety depends on intended use levels, purity standards, and manufacturing practices.

## Regulatory Status

This oleoresin is not on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, meaning it has not undergone the GRAS notification process or received explicit FDA approval for food use in the United States. This does not necessarily indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal regulatory approval through established pathways has not been completed.

In the European Union, Satureja montana is listed in the EFSA's plant registry for flavoring purposes, which suggests acceptance as a flavoring source in some regulatory contexts. However, regulatory status varies by country and region, and manufacturers should verify compliance with applicable local regulations before marketing products containing this ingredient.

## Key Studies

While comprehensive toxicological studies specific to the oleoresin are not widely published in peer-reviewed literature, the plant material itself has been subject to botanical and phytochemical research. Studies on Satureja montana essential oil have examined composition and antimicrobial properties, but these do not replace formal food safety assessments required for regulatory approval.

The lack of reported adverse events and recalls suggests a favorable safety record in actual use, though this represents observational data rather than controlled safety studies. For any food additive not on the GRAS list, manufacturers considering its use should consult with food safety experts and regulatory specialists to ensure compliance and establish appropriate safety data packages if pursuing regulatory approval.

## 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. "Savory, Winter, Oleoresin (satureja Montana L.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/savory-winter-oleoresin-satureja-montana-l. Accessed 2026-05-20.