# Scotch Spearmint Oil, Mentha Cardiaca L.

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 91770-24-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Scotch Spearmint Oil (Mentha cardiaca L.) is a natural essential oil derived from the spearmint plant, used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. It provides characteristic minty flavor notes and is commonly utilized in confectionery, beverages, and flavored products.

## 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 Scotch Spearmint Oil?

Scotch Spearmint Oil, scientifically designated as Mentha cardiaca L., is an essential oil extracted from the spearmint plant, a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The oil is obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing of the plant material. Its CAS number is 91770-24-0. As a natural plant-derived ingredient, it contains various volatile compounds including carvone, limonene, and other terpenes that contribute to its characteristic fresh, minty aroma and flavor profile.

## Common Uses

Scotch Spearmint Oil serves primarily as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Common applications include:

- Confectionery products (chewing gums, mints, candies)
- Beverages (soft drinks, teas, alcoholic beverages)
- Oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash)
- Desserts and frozen treats
- Savory dishes and condiments

The oil is valued for providing natural mint flavoring as an alternative to synthetic mint flavorings, appealing to manufacturers and consumers seeking natural ingredient solutions.

## Safety Assessment

Scotch Spearmint Oil has demonstrated a favorable safety profile based on available evidence. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls. While the ingredient does not currently hold GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status with the FDA, this designation does not indicate a safety concern but rather reflects the regulatory classification pathway and available safety documentation.

The safety of spearmint oil has been studied in scientific literature. Essential oils derived from Mentha species are generally recognized as safe for food flavoring use when applied at levels consistent with traditional use. The volatile compounds in spearmint oil undergo metabolism and elimination through standard biological pathways.

As with all essential oils used in food, appropriate usage levels are important. Spearmint oil contains carvone and other terpenes that are volatile compounds and are typically used at very low concentrations (parts per million) in finished food products. At these culinary levels, safety concerns are minimal.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of Scotch Spearmint Oil varies internationally:

**United States**: Not designated as GRAS by the FDA, meaning it does not have that specific regulatory approval. However, it may be used under FDA regulations governing color additives or flavoring substances, depending on the specific application and documentation provided by manufacturers.

**Europe**: Spearmint oil is listed in the EC Flavourings Regulation as a flavoring substance permitted in food products.

**General**: Many countries recognize spearmint-derived products as acceptable food ingredients when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices and at appropriate levels for flavoring purposes.

Manufacturers using this ingredient should maintain appropriate documentation and comply with local regulatory requirements for their intended market.

## Key Studies

While Scotch Spearmint Oil specifically may have limited dedicated safety studies, the broader category of Mentha species essential oils has been evaluated in scientific literature. Studies on spearmint and related mint species indicate:

- Spearmint oil constituents are recognized as food-grade flavoring materials in major pharmacopeias
- The volatile nature of the compounds means rapid metabolism and excretion
- Traditional use of spearmint in food and beverages extends centuries with no significant documented safety issues
- Toxicological data on primary components (carvone, limonene) support safety at food-use concentrations

The absence of FDA adverse events and recalls for this specific ingredient supports its safety record in current food applications.

## 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. "Scotch Spearmint Oil, Mentha Cardiaca L. — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/scotch-spearmint-oil-mentha-cardiaca-l. Accessed 2026-05-19.