Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract (GTE), which is derived from the unfermented, dried leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinesis, is incorporated into a wide range of foods in Japan where claims are made that it reduces tooth decay. The application to the ACNFP was for its use at low level (0.1%) in tabletop artificial sweeteners. The Committee was satisfied as to its safety in this application
Guarana: Guarana, which is obtained from the seeds of the South American plant Paullinia cupana, is used in small amounts as a flavouring substance in certain ready-to-consume soft drinks, as well as being sold as an infusate. The increasing use of products containing guarana in the UK in the early 1990s led to the ACNFPs evaluation of the safety of this novel food ingredient. Initial consideration focused on claims that some products were caffeine free. Such claims were not however substantiated by a MAFF survey and have since been withdrawn. The ACNFP concluded that guarana was safe for human consumption but advised that caffeine levels should be kept below the advisory levels of 125 mg/l recommended by the Committee on Toxicity and the Food Advisory Committee.