The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is advising
consumers not to consume "teas" brewed from star anise.
It has come to FDA’s attention that brewed "teas" containing
star anise have been associated with illnesses affecting about 40
individuals, including approximately 15 infants. The illnesses,
which occurred over the last two years, ranged from serious
neurological effects, such as seizures, to vomiting, jitteriness
and rapid eye movement.
FDA is concerned that commonly available Chinese star anise
(Illicium verum), a product considered by FDA to be generally
recognized as safe (GRAS), may contain Japanese star anise
(Illicium anisatum), which has long been recognized as toxic in
many countries and which should be used for decorative purposes
only. At this time, FDA cannot determine if the star anise
associated with the illnesses was associated with Japanese
star anise or a mixture of Chinese and Japanese star anise.
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