On September 26, 2024, the Department of Civil Affairs, Danish Ministry of Justice published a draft on the “Proposals for changes to the conditions of use of Locust bean gum, Guar gum, Gum Arabic etc.,” per 1333/2008 on food additives and Regulation (EC) No 213/2012.
The consultation document highlights the following:
- Applies to Locust bean gum (E 410), Guar gum (E 412), Gum arabic (E 414), Xanthan gum (E415), Pectins (E440) and Starch sodium octenyl succinate (E1450);
- Review safety concerns of E410 in Infant food under 16 weeks of age in categories 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2;
- Revised conditions are needed for locust bean gum in infant products, while Guar Gum may lose authorization in infant formula in certain food categories;
- Gum Arabic and Xanthan Gum do not require a numerical ADI, but there are health concerns regarding their use in infant foods;
- Pectin and Starch Sodium Octenyl Succinate are safe for general use, but their conditions need review in infant categories 1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2;
- The proposal also amends the specifications and purity criteria of the substances.
The Consultation is open for comments till October 10, 2024.
To view the complete regulation, check out the Food News Monitoring System