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 manufa cture 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 Heal th and Welfare Announcement No. 160 (10 August 1995). A panel of exper ts in the areas of toxicology, pharmacology and food science was assem bled 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 cas sia gum and structurally related gums demonstrate a lack of toxic effe cts in animals. This review is the basis for the consideration of cass ia gum as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under conditions of its intended use as a thickening agent in human and pet foods. (C) 1997 El sevier Science Ltd.