CAROB BEAN GUM
Prepared at the 69th JECFA (2008), published in FAO JECFA Monographs 5 (2008), superseding tentative specifications prepared at the 67th JECFA (2006) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 3 (2006). An ADI "not specified" was established at the 25th JECFA (1981). SYNONYMS Locust bean gum, INS No. 410
DEFINITION Primarily the ground endosperm of the seeds from Ceratonia siliqua (L.) Taub. (Fam. Leguminosae) mainly consisting of high molecular weight (approximately 50,000-3,000,000) polysaccharides composed of galactomannans; the mannose:galactose ratio is about 4:1. The seeds are
dehusked by treating the kernels with dilute sulfuric acid or with thermal mechanical treatments, elimination of the germ followed by milling and
screening of the endosperm to obtain native carob bean gum. The gum may be washed with ethanol or isopropanol to control the microbiological load
(washed carob bean gum).
C.A.S. number 9000-40-2
DESCRIPTION White to yellowish white, nearly odourless powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, gelling agent
