EFSA Declares Xuta Kernels Safe for Consumption
The European food safety authority has approved the consumption of roasted Jatropha curcas kernels as a traditional food.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
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The EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens has concluded that roasted and ground Xuta kernels are safe for use in food products. This determination follows new evidence addressing historical concerns regarding the presence of phorbol esters in the ingredient.
Why it matters
The safety assessment provides a regulatory path for integrating this traditional Mexican ingredient into grain-based products and soups within the European market. It clarifies long-standing uncertainties regarding the toxicity of the kernels.
The EFSA safety assessment determined a minimum margin of exposure for phorbol esters of 1900 compared to reference points. The approval supports the safety of kernels with a 25-year history of consumption in Mexico.
The players
EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens
This scientific body provides independent risk assessments and advice to the European Commission on food and feed safety.
European Commission
This executive branch of the European Union requested the safety evaluation to determine the viability of Xuta as a food ingredient.
The details
Applicants successfully validated a quantification method for phorbol esters and established strict sampling procedures to prevent commingling with non-edible Jatropha curcas varieties. The ingredient is now deemed safe for use in soups and grain-based products under the assessed conditions.
Timeline
Xuta kernels have a documented history of consumption in Mexico spanning 25 years.
The Big Picture
This assessment follows the regulatory protocols set by the EU Novel Food Regulation, which requires rigorous scientific evidence to approve traditional foods from third countries.
Consumers may soon see new grain-based products or soups appearing on store shelves that feature these traditional Mexican kernels. The approval ensures these products meet standardized safety levels for specific contaminants like phorbol esters.
The takeaway
This decision highlights the importance of validating analytical methods for novel food ingredients to ensure human safety. It demonstrates how traditional agricultural practices can be integrated into modern regulatory frameworks through rigorous scientific verification.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest food safety standards in the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foodmate.
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