Health Canada, Jun 29, 2004
2004-37
June 29, 2004
Advisory
Health Canada Advises Consumers Not to Ingest Teas or Health Products Containing Star Anise Unless it Is Identified as Chinese Star Anise
OTTAWA - As a precautionary measure, Health Canada is
advising Canadian consumers not to ingest herbal teas or health products
containing the herb "star anise" unless they are confident that it is
Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f).
Consumers should verify that their product contains Chinese star anise.
Otherwise, consumers should avoid using the following products:
- blended herbal teas containing the herb "star anise"
- bulk star anise for the purpose of brewing teas
- therapeutic and natural health products (such as medicinal herbal
teas or homeopathic medicines) containing star anise
There have been reports in the U.S. and Europe of adverse reactions
associated with consumption of blended teas containing "star anise" and
with the consumption of teas brewed solely from "star anise." In some of
the cases, herbal tea was being used as a treatment for infant colic.
Adverse reactions ranged from mild nausea to convulsions and seizures, and
in all cases, symptoms were temporary. To date, there have been no reports
of adverse reactions in Canada associated with products containing star
anise, nor evidence that any foods or health products sold in Canada,
contain toxic varieties of star anise.
Consumers who ingest one of the potentially toxic varieties of star
anise may suffer an adverse reaction and should consult a physician if
this occurs.
There is more than one type of star anise. Chinese star anise does not
represent a health and safety concern and has a long history of safe use
in foods. The dried seed pods of Chinese star anise can be found in
certain spice mixtures and cooking pastes used in foods, in some herbal
tea blends, and in certain therapeutic and natural health products. Other
species of star anise, such as Japanese star anise, are used for
decorative and aromatic purposes but are not considered safe for human
consumption and can be toxic if enough is ingested.
It is important to note that this advisory does not
apply to an unrelated herb commonly known as 'anise'
(Pimpinella anisum). Anise does not represent a health and safety
concern in foods and has a long history of safe use.
With respect to health products containing star anise, Health Canada is
requesting evidence from the manufacturers of these products to show that
the star anise ingredient is the correct variety (Chinese star anise) and
that it does not pose a risk to health. Health Canada will keep Canadians
informed of any developments related to this issue.
The text in this article was prepared by Health Canada.