CASSIA GUM
Prepared at the 73rd JECFA (2010) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 10 (2010), superseding tentative specifications prepared at the 71st JECFA (2009) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 7 (2009). An ADI “not specified” was established at the 71st JECFA (2009). SYNONYMS INS 427
DEFINITION Primarily the ground purified endosperm of the seeds of Cassia tora and Cassia obtusifolia, (Fam. Leguminsae) containing less
than 0.05% of Cassia occidentalis. It consists mainly of high molecular weight (approximately 200,000-300,000) polysaccharides composed of galactomannans; the mannose:galactose ratio is about 5:1. The structural formula for cassia gum galactomannan is given below. The seeds are
dehusked and degermed by thermal mechanical treatment followed by milling and screening of the endosperm. The ground endosperm is further purified by extraction with isopropanol.
Assay Not less than 75% of galactomannan
DESCRIPTION Pale yellow to off-white, odourless free-flowing powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Thickener, emulsifiier, foam stabilizer, moisture retention agent and texturizing agent.
