About
Tamarind powder is the dried, ground pulp of Tamarindus indica, a tropical leguminous tree native to Africa and widely cultivated across Asia and Latin America. It is used primarily as a souring agent and flavour enhancer in sauces, chutneys, spice blends, and beverages.
Safety summary
Tamarind has a centuries-long history of safe culinary use; JECFA established an ADI 'not specified' for tamarind seed polysaccharide, citing the absence of toxicity in long-term rodent studies and no concern for genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, or developmental toxicity. Its high organic acid (tartaric acid) content may interfere with the absorption of certain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and may reduce non-haem iron bioavailability. Individuals with a history of kidney stones or chronic kidney disease should use with caution due to the oxalate load at high consumption levels.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Tamarind is permitted as a natural food ingredient under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. No specific maximum level is set for the fruit pulp powder when used as a flavouring or condiment ingredient.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Tamarind fruit and pulp are permitted as natural food ingredients and flavourings in the EU. No E-number is assigned to tamarind fruit pulp powder. Note: INS 437 applies exclusively to tamarind seed polysaccharide, which is a distinct ingredient from the fruit pulp powder.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Tamarind powder (defined as tamarind paste mixed with tapioca starch) is explicitly recognized as a traditional food under FSSAI Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011, Appendix A. Tamarindus indica L. is also listed as a permitted botanical ingredient under FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, etc.) Regulations.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Tamarind fruit and pulp have GRAS status based on common use in food prior to 1958. FDA additionally granted GRAS classification to tamarind seed polysaccharide products in 2014 for use as stabilizers and thickeners in a range of food applications.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1WHO. JECFA: Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide — Safety Evaluation. apps.who.int
- 2FDA. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) — FDA Overview and GRAS Notification Program. fda.gov
- 3PubMed. Safety Evaluation of Ultrasonic-Assisted OSA-Modified Tamarind Seed Gum for Food Applications. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4other. GSFA Online — Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (INS 437), Codex Alimentarius. fao.org
- 5FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 — Appendix A Food Category System, 2011. fssai.gov.in