Assessment of cassia gum.
Cassia gum is approved for use in Europe by the Commission Directive (EEC No. E 499) and is listed in the Annex of the Council Directive (70/524/EEC) as a stabilizer (thickening and gelling agent) in the manufacture of canned pet foods (for cats and dogs). It is also approved for use in Japan and is listed as a food additive in The Ministry of Health and Welfare Announcement No. 160 (10 August 1995). A panel of experts in the areas of toxicology, pharmacology and food science was assembled to review the safety of cassia gum for use as a thickening agent in human and pet foods in the United States. The available data on cassia gum and structurally related gums demonstrate a lack of toxic effects in animals. This review is the basis for the consideration of cassia gum as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under conditions of its intended use as a thickening agent in human and pet foods.
Hallagan
J B
JB
Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109-0626, USA.
La Du
B N
BN
Pariza
M W
MW
Putnam
J M
JM
Borzelleca
J F
JF
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002366:Cassia / Q000737:chemistry*; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D005503:Food Additives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D018675:Toxicity Tests; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D005079:Excipients; D005503:Food Additives; D010936:Plant Extracts