FSAP Chem TS - 2015-16 Coumarin in cinnamon, cinnamon-containing foods, and licorice flavoured foods - TS020 - Open Data

Targeted surveys provide information on potential food hazards and enhance the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA's) routine monitoring programs. These surveys provide evidence regarding the safety of the food supply, identify potential emerging hazards, and contribute new information and data to food categories where it may be limited or non-existent. They are often used by the agency to focus surveillance on potential areas of higher risk. Surveys can also help to identify trends and provide information about how industry complies with Canadian regulations. Coumarin is a naturally occurring sweet-smelling compound found in many plants, including cinnamon and tonka beans. Its derivatives can be found in plants commonly used as licorice flavour, such as fennel, aniseed and licorice root. Coumarin was used as a flavouring agent in the food and cosmetic industries for many years, and although its use in the cosmetic industry continues, it has been discontinued in the food industry due to evidence of potential toxic and adverse effects on the liver. Low exposure to this compound from natural sources is expected and not anticipated to represent a health risk. The CFIA considered…

Publisher

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Resources

1

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-04-08