Castoreum

Common names: Beaver Castor, Natural Flavor (used in ingredient lists), Flavoring Agent Vanilla Substitute (historically used in vanilla flavorings), E913 (European food additive code).

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KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING

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Caution

Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025

Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD

Castoreum is a natural secretion obtained from the castor sacs of beavers, historically utilized in the food industry as a flavoring agent due to its musky aroma and vanilla-like properties. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies castoreum as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) under 21 CFR §582.50, permitting its use as a natural flavoring substance in food products.^[1]
Despite this approval, the actual use of castoreum in food products is extremely limited, with annual industry consumption in the United States being less than 300 pounds, compared to over 2.6 million pounds of vanillin.^[2]
Concerns regarding castoreum include ethical considerations related to animal welfare, as its extraction involves beavers, and potential dietary restrictions for certain consumer groups.^[3]
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Health Canada have not conducted specific evaluations or established regulations regarding the use of castoreum in food products, indicating limited or no current application within the European Union and Canada.

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)

The FDA includes castoreum in its “Substances Added to Food” database, recognizing it as a flavoring agent. It is listed under 21 CFR §582.50, indicating it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for its intended use.^[1]^[4]

Health Canada

There is no specific information available from Health Canada regarding the evaluation or regulation of castoreum, indicating it may not be commonly used or assessed within Canadian food products.^[5]

EFSA (Europe)

Specific evaluations or regulations regarding castoreum by EFSA are not readily available, suggesting limited or no current use within the European Union.

WHO (World Health Organization)

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated various food additives; however, specific information on castoreum is not available in JECFA publications.^[6]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)

Current Status

Classified

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group

EWG Rating: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has not assigned a specific rating to castoreum in its Skin Deep database.^[7]
Level of Caution: Due to the lack of a specific rating, EWG does not provide explicit guidance on the safety or caution level for castoreum.^[7]
Possible Health Risks: Without an EWG assessment, potential health risks associated with castoreum remain unspecified by this organization.^[7]

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More about Castoreum

Vanilla-flavored ice creams
Raspberry-flavored candies
Bäverhojt (a Swedish schnapps)

Historical Use

Castoreum, a secretion from beaver castor sacs, has been utilized since Roman times for medicinal purposes, including treatments for headaches and as an abortifacient. In the early 20th century, it found application as a flavoring agent in foods, imparting vanilla and raspberry notes.^[8]

Current Exposure

Today, consumer exposure to castoreum is exceedingly rare due to its limited use in food products, with annual consumption in the U.S. reported to be less than 300 pounds. Its presence is primarily confined to certain flavorings and perfumes, often labeled under the generic term "natural flavorings."^[3]

Allergic Reactions

Individuals with sensitivities to animal-derived products may experience allergic reactions to castoreum, though such cases are not well-documented in research.^[1]

Skin Irritation

Topical application of castoreum-containing products may cause skin irritation in susceptible individuals, necessitating caution and patch testing prior to use.^[9]

Hormonal Effects

Some components of castoreum have been suggested to possess hormonal activity; however, current research is insufficient to conclusively determine any significant endocrine-disrupting effects.^[10]

Toxicity Concerns

While castoreum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use, excessive exposure or ingestion beyond typical dietary amounts has not been extensively studied for potential toxic effects.^[1]

Toxicological Studies

Acute toxicity assessments indicate that castoreum extract is non-toxic via oral and dermal routes, exhibiting no irritation or phototoxicity to the skin. Additionally, human subject tests have not observed skin sensitization reactions.^[11]

Long-Term Safety

The extensive historical use of castoreum extract as a flavoring and fragrance ingredient has resulted in no reported adverse human reactions, suggesting that low-level, long-term exposure does not pose significant health risks.^[11]

High-Risk Groups

Individuals with known allergies to animal-derived products may be at increased risk for adverse reactions to castoreum. However, specific studies detailing such effects are limited.^[11]

Health Impacts

Due to the scarcity of research focusing on vulnerable populations, comprehensive data on the health impacts of castoreum exposure in these groups are currently insufficient.^[11]

Recommended Intake

Specific ADI values for castoreum itself have not been explicitly determined by major health organizations.^[11]

General Safety Level

Castoreum is considered generally safe for consumption by regulatory agencies, including the FDA, and allergic reactions are exceedingly rare.^[4]

Sensitive Individuals

While most people tolerate castoreum well, those with specific sensitivities to animal-derived products may experience reactions, though such cases are not well-documented in research.^[10]

FAQ

Does Starbucks use castoreum?

No, Starbucks does not use castoreum in any of its products.

Is castoreum still used in food?

Castoreum is rarely used in food today due to its high cost and is mostly replaced by synthetic flavoring.

What is castoreum?

Castoreum is a secretion from beaver castor sacs historically used as a natural flavoring, particularly in vanilla, raspberry, and strawberry flavors.

Is castoreum in Dr Pepper?

No, Dr Pepper does not contain castoreum as an ingredient.

How is castoreum harvested?

Castoreum is harvested by extracting secretions from the castor sacs of beavers, typically from animals trapped for their fur.

References

Japan Tobacco Inc. (2014). Flavorant compositions and methods for preparing and using same. Available at: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140123991 ↩︎

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