Gellan Gum
E418
E418, gellan gum, gellan, high-acyl gellan gum, low-acyl gellan gum, deacylated gellan gum, goma gellan
What it is
A high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced by microbial fermentation and used as a gelling agent, stabiliser and thickener.
Why BOTIA flags it
Gellan gum is produced by fermentation and gels in minimal amounts — which is why it is used in plant-based drinks, where it keeps calcium evenly distributed without thickening them. The body does not digest it. JECFA did not see a need to set a numerical limit.
BOTIA CAN
- Identify E418 or gellan gum when declared on the label.
- Trigger the E-number and texture information layers.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine whether the product uses a high-acyl or low-acyl grade unless the manufacturer states it.
- Determine the quantity used or the detailed fermentation and purification conditions from the label.