Arabic Gum
E414
E414, gum arabic, Arabic gum, acacia gum, gum acacia, Acacia senegal gum, Acacia seyal gum, goma arábiga, gomme arabique
What it is
A dried plant exudate, mainly from Acacia or Senegalia species, composed largely of complex polysaccharides and used as an emulsifier, stabiliser, carrier and thickener.
Why BOTIA flags it
Arabic gum is acacia resin and dissolves with hardly any thickening, which is why it is used in soft drinks and sweets where other gums would make the product dense. The body does not digest it. JECFA did not see a need to set a numerical limit.
BOTIA CAN
- Identify E414, gum arabic, Arabic gum or acacia gum when declared on the label.
- Trigger the E-number and texture information layers.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine the amount used when it is not quantified on the label.
- Determine the exact Acacia or Senegalia source species or processing grade from the generic ingredient name.