Coumarin dosage

Coumarin ( CAS 91-64-5) is an aromatic molecule naturally present in several plants, including tonka bean, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), sweet clover, and certain citrus fruits. Valued for its fragrant properties, it is used as a flavoring or perfuming agent in food products, supplements, cosmetics, and herbal formulations. However, due to its potential liver toxicity at high doses, regulations strictly regulate its content in foodstuffs and consumer products.

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

Why measure coumarin?

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

• 2 mg/kg in desserts or processed products containing cinnamon,
• 10 mg/kg in foods 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 dosage can be carried out 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, hydroalcoholic extracts or plant powders. It allows 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 contents.

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

Affected matrices

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

Industrial applications

Coumarin dosage is commonly integrated into the processes of:

• Quality control of raw materials and finished products
• Verification of regulatory compliance (REACH, EC regulation 1334/2008, etc.)
• Comparative analysis of batches or suppliers
• Support for the formulation of “clean label” products or those with low levels of risky substances
• Toxicological or safety studies in the context of cosmetic notifications or supplement dossiers

Other related analyses:

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

Why choose YesWeLab?

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

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

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