About
Locust bean gum is a natural high-molecular-weight galactomannan polysaccharide derived from the ground endosperm of seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua, Family Leguminosae). It is widely used in food as a thickener, stabiliser, emulsifier, and gelling agent in products such as ice cream, dairy desserts, sauces, cheeses, and processed meats.
Safety summary
Both EFSA (2017, 2023) and JECFA (1981) have concluded that no numerical ADI is required, and no safety concern exists for the general population at typical food additive exposure levels. Locust bean gum is practically undigested and not absorbed intact, but is significantly fermented by enteric bacteria. Infants and young children consuming special medical foods may show higher susceptibility to gastrointestinal effects; additionally, a 2021 EU food-safety incident identified ethylene oxide contamination above quantification limits in some commercial E410 batches, prompting regulatory attention.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. ADI 'not specified'. EFSA re-evaluated safety in 2017 (general population) and 2023 (infants below 16 weeks in special medical foods); no safety concern found for general population. A 2021 EU incident documented ethylene oxide residues above the limit of quantification in some E410 batches, triggering food-safety coordinator meetings.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 184.1343. Permitted as stabiliser and emulsifier in cheeses (Part 133), frozen desserts (Part 135), dressings for foods (Part 169), and artificially sweetened jelly and preserves (Part 150).source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Food Additive Status List – Carob Bean Gum (Locust Bean Gum), 21 CFR 184.1343. fda.gov
- 2EFSA. Re-evaluation of locust bean gum (E 410) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of its re-evaluation as a food additive for uses in foods for all population groups, 2023. efsa.europa.eu
- 3PubMed. Re-evaluation of locust bean gum (E 410) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of its re-evaluation as a food additive for uses in foods for all population groups, 2023. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4EFSA. Re-evaluation of locust bean gum (E 410) as a food additive, 2017. efsa.europa.eu
- 5PubMed. Re-evaluation of locust bean gum (E 410) as a food additive, 2017. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6WHO. JECFA Monograph – Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum), ADI 'not specified', 1981.
