Reassessment of Guar Gum as a Food Additive for Infants Under 16 Weeks: Ensuring Safety in the EU

In a recent development, the European Union (EU) has undertaken a reassessment of the safety of Guar Gum (E 412) as a food additive for infants under 16 weeks of age. The evaluation was conducted by the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) under the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 

Guar gum, a widely used food additive, was previously evaluated in 2017 by the former EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient sources added to Food. Building upon this assessment, the recent reassessment by the FAF focused on its safety as a food additive for infants below 16 weeks of age, specifically in food categories 13.1.1 (Infant formulae) and 13.1.5.1 (Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants). Additionally, the safety of guar gum as a food additive for the general population was also examined.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, the FAF Panel initiated a call for data to obtain relevant information from business operators regarding the use of guar gum in the specified food categories. In response to the request, one business operator stated that guar gum (E 412) is not used in food categories 13.1.1 and 13.1.5.1 but is present in products under food category 13.1.5.2.

Upon careful examination of the provided data, the FAF Panel concluded that the submitted information was insufficient to support the safe use of guar gum (E 412) in food for infants, both below and above 16 weeks of age, as well as young children under food category 13.1.1, 13.1.5.1, and 13.1.5.2. Additionally, the panel recommended further amendments of the specifications for guar gum (E 412) laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, based on the technical data provided by the business operator.

The reassessment of Guar Gum as a food additive for infants under 16 weeks of age emphasizes the EU's commitment to ensuring the safety of food products for the most vulnerable population. The findings of the evaluation underscore the importance of robust data and continuous monitoring to guarantee the suitability of food additives for infants and young children. By conducting such assessments, the EU aims to maintain high standards of food safety and protect the well-being of its citizens.