Is St Johns wort allowed in a beverage at any level?
(June 2008) No, this botanical is not allowed for use as an ingredient in a beverage; this is explained in a January 30, 2001, “Dear Manufacturer” letter. In the letter, FDA explains that in order for a substance, such as the botanical St John’s wort, to be added to food, the substance must be GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) or be an approved food additive. Food additives require pre-market approval by FDA; data demonstrating safety is submitted by the petitioner to the agency in a food additive petition. If the petition is accepted, the agency issues food additive regulations. The regulations specify the conditions under which the additive has been demonstrated to be safe and how it may lawfully be used. St John’s wort is not a GRAS substance or an approved food additive.
