GLYCEROL ESTER OF GUM ROSIN
(TENTATIVE) Tentative specifications prepared at the 74th JECFA (2011) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 11 (2011), superseding tentative
specifications prepared at the 71st JECFA (2009), published in FAO JECFA Monographs 7 (2009). A temporary group ADI of 0-12.5 mg/kg
bw for glycerol ester of gum rosin and glycerol ester of wood rosin was established at the 74th JECFA (2011).
Updated information required:
• Composition of the refined gum rosin currently used as the source rosin with regard to the levels of resin acids and “neutrals” (nonacidic saponifiable and unsaponifiable substances)
• Composition of the glycerol ester of gum rosin with regard to the levels of:
a) glycerol esters;
b) free resin acids; and
c) neutrals (non-acidic saponifiable and unsaponifiable substances)
• Composition of the total glycerol ester of resin acids with regard to the levels of:
a) monoglycerol esters;
b) (1,2) diglycerol esters;
c) (1,3) diglycerol esters;
d) triglycerol esters; and
e) dimeric esters
• Composition of the neutral fraction, including identification of the major classes of compounds and the concentration of the major constituents within the classes
NOTE:
Validated methods should be used for the analysis of substances considered in the specification. Detailed information on the methods used, including sample preparation and validation parameters should be provided. It is recommended that representative samples of commercially available glycerol ester of gum rosin be analysed by independent laboratories.
SYNONYMS INS No. 445(i)
DEFINITION Glycerol ester of gum rosin is a complex mixture of tri- and diglycerol esters of resin acids from gum rosin, with a residual fraction of
monoglycerol esters. Besides these esters, up to x % resin acids (data on percentage required) and up to x % other non-acidic saponifiable and
unsaponifiable substances (data on percentage required) are present. It is obtained by the esterification of refined gum rosin under a nitrogen
atmosphere with food-grade glycerol, and purified by countercurrent steam distillation. Refined gum rosin is obtained by extracting oleoresin
