Re-evaluation of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Toxicology
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• Guar gum (E 412) previously received an 'acceptable daily intake' (ADI) not specified by JECFA and SCF.
• Re-evaluation of guar gum safety is mandated by Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010.
• Previous evaluations established an ADI 'not specified' for guar gum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the safety of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive.
• To determine if a numerical ADI is necessary for guar gum.
• To assess the safety of guar gum for specific population groups, including infants and young children.

Main Methods:

• Review of available exposure and toxicity data for guar gum.
• Analysis of subchronic, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity studies.
• Assessment of oral intake tolerance in adults.

Main Results:

• Guar gum is largely undigested and fermented by gut bacteria, with no adverse effects in toxicity studies.
• Oral intake of guar gum is well tolerated in adults.
• No safety concerns identified for the general population at refined exposure levels.

Conclusions:

• A numerical ADI for guar gum (E 412) is not required; it is safe for the general population.
• Further research is needed to assess guar gum safety in foods for infants and young children, particularly regarding potential abdominal discomfort.
• Safety cannot be adequately assessed for specific infant food categories due to data limitations.