TRAGACANTH GUM
Prepared at the 29th JECFA (1985), published in FNP 34 (1986) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 57th JECFA (2001). An ADI 'not specified' was established at the 29th JECFA (1985)
SYNONYMS INS No. 413
DEFINITION A dried exudation obtained from the stems and branches of Astragalus gummifer Labillardiere and other Asiatic species of Astragalus (Fam. Leguminosae); consists mainly of high molecular-weight polysaccharides (galactoarabans and acidic polysaccharides) which, on hydrolysis, yield galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, xylose and fucose; small amounts of rhamnose and of glucose (derived from traces of starch and/or cellulose) may also be present.
C.A.S. number 9000-65-1
DESCRIPTION The unground gum occurs as flattened, lamellated, straight or curved fragments or as spirally twisted pieces 0.5 - 2.5 mm thick and up to 3 cm in length; white to pale yellow, but some pieces may have a red tinge; the pieces are horny in texture, with a short fracture; odourless. The powdered gum is white to pale yellow or pinkish brown (pale tan). Items of commerce may contain extraneous materials such as pieces of
bark which must be removed before use in food. Unground samples should be powdered to pass a No. 45 sieve (355 M) and mixed well before performing any one of the following tests.
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier, stabilizer, thickening agent
