Bay Leaf
Also listed as Bay Leaves and Dried Bay Leaf.
Spices & Herbs
This is what the ingredient is.
Bay leaves are dried aromatic leaves used whole in cooking. Labels may say bay leaves.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
They flavor soups, stews, and sauces and are usually removed before serving.
Here is what food agencies say.
Sold as a culinary spice under FDA rules.
Here is what research has found.
Foreign material and spice sanitation controls apply to dried leaf spices.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Do not eat whole bay leaves; remove before serving.
Sources
- FDA Food Labeling
- USDA FSIS
- FDA Recalls
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.
v1.0Updated 9/16/2026