BENZOE TONKINENSIS (TENTATIVE)
New tentative specifications prepared at the 74th JECFA (2011) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 11 (2011). No ADI was allocated at the 74th JECFA (2011). Information required on at least five different batches of commercially available product on the following:
• Identification of substances other than benzoic acid, coniferyl benzoate, vanillin and benzyl benzoate in the ethanol extract;
• Data on microbiological contaminants (E. coli, Salmonella spp);
• Data on levels of inorganic contaminants (lead, arsenic, antimony, chromium, mercury and cadmium).
A method for distinguishing between Benzoe tonkinensis and Sumatra benzoin should also be provided.
SYNONYMS Siam Benzoin gum; Siam Benzoin Laos; Styrax tonkinensis
DEFINITION Benzoe tonkinensis is a natural complex balsamic resin obtained from a native tree in Laos: Styrax Tonkinensis (Pierre). It is collected directly from the tree, cleaned and sorted into four grades according to size. All grades have similar chemical composition. The resin is composed mainly of benzoic acid (15-45%) and coniferyl benzoate (15-60%). Lesser amounts of vanillin (<5%), benzyl benzoate (<2%), 2-hydroxy-1 phenyl
ethanone and 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2 propanone are also present.
These specifications do not cover Sumatra benzoin (resin obtained from Styrax benzoin Dryander and Styrax paralleloneurum).
C.A.S. number 9000-72-0
DESCRIPTION White-yellow to reddish splits of flattened almond-like grains with a strong vanilla smell.
FUNCTIONAL USES Flavouring agent
