Coumarin dosage

Coumarin naturally present in several plants, including tonka beans, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), sweet clover, and certain citrus fruits. Prized for its fragrant properties, it is used as a flavoring or fragrance agent in food products, supplements, cosmetics, and herbal formulations. However, due to its potential liver toxicity at high doses, regulations strictly control its content in food and consumer products.

Coumarin analysis is therefore an essential physicochemical test for any manufacturer or distributor wishing to guarantee the conformity of their products. At YesWeLab, we offer this service through a network of specialized laboratories, equipped to reliably and sensitively analyze coumarin according to current standards.

Why measure coumarin levels?

Coumarin is classified as a toxic substance at high concentrations, particularly due to its documented hepatotoxic effects in animals. European health authorities, notably through EC Regulation No. 1334/2008, have set maximum limits for coumarin permitted in different food categories:

• 2 mg/kg in desserts or processed products containing cinnamon,
• 10 mg/kg in food for special medical purposes,
• 0.1 mg/kg in foods for infants and young children, etc.

This dosage is also essential in natural products such as standardized plant extracts, cinnamon-based food supplements, or tonka bean enriched products, in order to document technical data sheets, SDSs or meet regulatory requirements for consumer safety.

Analytical methods used

Coumarin levels can be measured using different techniques depending on the matrix and the desired precision:

• HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection) : a method commonly used for aqueous extracts, hydroalcoholic extracts, or plant powders. It allows for efficient separation and precise quantification of coumarin and its derivatives.
• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : recommended for volatile or lipophilic matrices (essential oils, concentrated aromas, fatty matrices), offering high sensitivity for low concentrations.

Our partner laboratories adapt the method according to the complexity of the sample (foods, extracts, creams, drinks, capsules, etc.) and the analytical objectives (regulatory screening, quality control, labeling compliance, etc.).

Affected matrices

• Plant-based raw materials (tonka beans, cinnamon, sweet clover…)
• Natural extracts and essential oils
• Dietary supplements and nutraceutical formulations
• Processed foods (desserts, pastries, infusions)
• Fortified animal feed products
• Cosmetics containing perfume extracts

Industrial applications

Coumarin assay is commonly integrated into the processes of:

• Quality control of raw materials and finished products
• Verification of regulatory compliance (REACH, EC Regulation 1334/2008…)
• Comparative analysis of batches or suppliers
• Support for the formulation of "clean label" products or products with low levels of hazardous substances
• Toxicological or safety studies within the framework of cosmetic notifications or supplement dossiers

Other related analyses:

• Flavonoid assay – HPLC/LC-MS, relevant for fragrant or aromatic plant extracts, taxonomy of phenolic compounds
• Oxalic acid assay – HPLC/LC-MS, useful in nutraceuticals for plant compounds, natural network around fragrances and phytotoxins
• Safranal assay – HPLC/GC-MS, comparable to coumarin in aromatic matrices
• Benzophenone assay – GC-MS/GC-FID, for aromatic organic compounds and migration in packaging
• Trimethylamine assay – GC-MS, complementary analysis of volatile compounds in fermented foods

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab supports you in managing your regulatory analyses through its digital platform and network of rigorously selected laboratories, accredited to ISO 17025 or certified by COFRAC. We help you choose the most suitable method for your matrices, prepare your regulatory dossiers, and meet the requirements of your markets.

Our scientific team advises you at every stage: from sample preparation to results interpretation.

Need a reliable and compliant coumarin assay?
Contact us today or submit your request online via our quote form.