About
Kakvi is the Gujarati/Marathi regional name for sugarcane molasses, the thick dark-brown viscous syrup that remains after sucrose crystals are extracted from sugarcane juice during sugar refining. It is used as a traditional sweetener, cooking ingredient, and nutritional supplement in India, valued for its mineral content including iron, calcium, and potassium.
Safety summary
Kakvi (sugarcane molasses) is generally safe for the general adult population when consumed in typical dietary amounts as a traditional food ingredient; no ADI has been formally established by EFSA, FDA, or FSSAI for molasses as a food additive since it is a whole food/ingredient rather than an isolated additive. It is high in sugar (predominantly sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and calories, making excessive consumption a concern for individuals managing blood sugar or weight. No IARC carcinogenicity classification applies; no significant toxicological hazard has been identified at normal intake levels.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Sugarcane molasses is recognized as a traditional food ingredient in the EU and is not regulated as a food additive requiring an E-number. It is not subject to the novel food regulation (EU 2015/2283) as it has an established history of consumption.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Sugarcane molasses and its derivatives (including kakvi) are recognized traditional food ingredients under FSSAI regulations. No specific maximum daily intake is prescribed for molasses as a whole food ingredient; it falls under general food standards rather than the food additives schedule.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Cane molasses is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 184.1865 for direct addition to food. No ADI established.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations – Cane Molasses (21 CFR 184.1865). accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations – Compendium 2022, 2022. fssai.gov.in
- 3PubMed. A Review Regarding the Use of Molasses in Animal Nutrition, 2021. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4PubMed. Sugarcane Molasses - A Potential Dietary Supplement in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia, 2017. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5WHO. Sugars intake for adults and children – WHO Guideline, 2015. who.int
