InfoCons Consumer Protection : Understanding E410 – Locust Bean Gum – Food Additives and Prevention
Locust bean gum (E410) is a food additive used for stabilization and emulsification. It acts as a gelling agent, thickener, swelling agent, and water-retention agent.
Synonyms: Carob seed gum; Algarroba gum; locust gum; carob gum; carubira gum.
Locust bean gum is a natural product, obtained from the ground endosperm of carob seeds, from the species Ceratonia siliqua (L.) and Taub. (family Leguminosae). It consists mainly of a high-molecular-weight hydrocolloidal polysaccharide, composed of galactopyranose and mannopyranose units linked by glycosidic bonds, chemically described as a galactomannan.
It also contains 4–6% proteins, 12–14% water, and approximately 1% fiber.
Main Characteristics
- Source: Seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua)
- Function: Thickening, gelling, stabilizing, emulsifying, water retention
- Appearance: Off-white to yellowish powder
- Composition: Polysaccharide (galactomannan)
- Uses: Ice cream (including lactose-free), yogurts, sauces, desserts, bakery products, infant formulas, gluten-free products
- Dietary profile: Vegan, indigestible for humans; may have a laxative effect when consumed in large quantities
- Synonyms: Carob gum, algarroba gum, locust bean gum
Which Foods Contain the Food Additive E410?
The food additive E410 (locust bean gum) may be added to the following food products:
- jams,
- jellies,
- marmalades,
- spreadable pastes,
- purées,
- fruit-based products and similar preparations,
- low-calorie products, used alone or in combination with E400, E401, E402, E403, E404, E406, E407, E412, E415, E418,
- post-weaning preparations for healthy infants,
- foods for infants and young children, including gluten-free cereal-based products, used alone or in combination with E412, E414, E415, E440,
- frozen fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including mollusks and crustaceans,
- minced frozen fish,
- cooked fish and fish products,
- liquid eggs,
- frozen liquid egg products,
- coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions,
- meat preparations,
- sauces,
- dressings,
- yogurt (untreated after fermentation or heat-treated after fermentation),
- pasteurized cream (regular),
- whipped cream,
- fresh pasta, noodles, and similar products,
- dried pasta, noodles, and similar products,
- fresh meat, poultry, and game.
Where Else Can Locust Bean Gum (E410) Be Found?
The additive E410 (locust bean gum) may also be added to infant or young children’s preparations, for example to reduce gastroesophageal reflux.
Locust bean gum (E410) is also used in medicinal products and cosmetics.