ABSTRACT
Much of the persistent reputation of sassafras may no doubt be attributed to its pleasant taste and aroma. It contains up to 9 percent of a volatile oil, which, in turn, consists of about 80 percent safrole. For years it was a valued flavoring agent in root beer and similar beverages. But as a result of research conducted in the early 1960s, safrole was recognized as a carcinogenic agent in rats and mice.2 Sassafras bark, sassafras oil, and safrole are now prohibited by the FDA from use as flavors or food additives.
