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Mustard is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration when consumed in amounts commonly found in food. However, if you use mustard for cosmetic or medicinal uses, you should exercise caution.
The Natural Medicines Database notes that applying white or black mustard to the skin for an extended period of time can cause burns, blisters, or ulcers. The source also notes that consuming large amounts of black mustard seed by mouth can damage the throat and cause side effects including heart failure, diarrhea, drowsiness, breathing difficulties, coma, and death.
Lastly, mustard and mustard seed allergies are not uncommon. According to the Anaphylaxis Campaign in the United Kingdom, other foods derived from the mustard plant—including mustard leaves, seeds and flowers, sprouted mustard seeds, mustard oil, and foods that contain these—are likely to cause reactions in people with a mustard allergy.
Symptoms of a mustard allergy may be mild or severe—they generally come on shortly after consuming the mustard product. You may experience a rash or a tingly, itchy feeling in the mouth. Difficulty breathing is also possible. *
