Guar gum is E412 in the EU and INS 412 in the Codex system. In the EU it is authorised in a wide range of foods, often at quantum satis, meaning no fixed maximum beyond what good manufacturing practice needs. Some food categories have restrictions, and the gum itself must meet set purity criteria.
Rules differ by market and can change, so check the current position with your own food authority.
The European Union
Food additives in the EU are authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, which lists the foods each additive may be used in and any maximum level. Purity criteria for each additive are set in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. Guar gum must meet those criteria to be sold as E412.
- Purity criteria typically cover items such as galactomannan content, moisture, ash, acid-insoluble matter, protein and heavy metals.
- Some categories restrict thickening gums. For example, gelling additives in jelly mini-cups are not permitted in the EU because of choking risk.
- Foods for infants and young children have their own, stricter lists.
- Organic foods may only use additives allowed by EU organic rules.
The United States
In the US, guar gum is recognised by the FDA as generally recognised as safe (GRAS) for use as a thickener and stabiliser in many food categories, with use levels tied to good manufacturing practice and some category limits. Food Chemicals Codex specifications are often used to define purity. Check the current FDA listing and any category limits that apply to your product.
Codex and other markets
Codex lists guar gum as INS 412, and JECFA has evaluated its safety. Many countries base their rules on Codex, but each sets its own lists and labelling. The UK has kept a regime similar to the EU since leaving it, and Gulf states, Australia, Canada and others have their own approvals. Confirm with the food authority in each market you sell into.
Labelling
In the EU you can usually declare it as "thickener: guar gum" or "thickener: E412", by function and name or number. Allergen labelling does not normally apply to guar, but check for any cross-contact statement from the plant. For more, see what labelling rules apply to spice blends in the UK, EU and US, which covers the general principles.
What to ask the supplier
- A specification stating compliance with the purity criteria for your market.
- A certificate of analysis per batch that covers those criteria.
- Pesticide, ethylene oxide and heavy metal results from an accredited lab.
- Confirmation that the product has not been treated with ethylene oxide.
How we help
We check that the specification matches your market's purity criteria and have each batch verified at an NABL-accredited lab before it ships. To begin, ask for a free sourcing review.