What toxic look-alike caused the FDA advisory against unverified star anise tea consumption?
*Illicium anisatum* (Japanese star anise)
The US FDA issued an advisory concerning star anise tea due to serious side effects linked to contamination with Japanese star anise, scientifically known as *Illicium anisatum*. This particular species is considered highly toxic if consumed in food or beverages, unlike the culinary star anise (*Illicium verum*). A critical safety concern arises because these two species are visually similar, making differentiation difficult for the average consumer. Reports of severe toxicity stemming from contaminated star anise tea consumption, which included symptoms like seizures and vomiting, underscore why absolute certainty in product sourcing and purity is paramount when dealing with star anise intended for infusion.
