Xanthan gum is produced by aerobic submerged fermentation using a naturally occurring bacterium, X. campestris, which is also present on cabbages. The basic steps of this process are shown in xanthan gum dogs. The bacterium produces the xanthan gum. It is a natural substance that is used in many food and beverage products.
ANS Panel assessed the safety of xanthan gum
A recent study aimed to determine the safety of is in food and beverages. It concluded that it was not carcinogenic and may contribute to the growth and development of infants. The study also noted that may cause gas and is a mild laxative. It binds with water and adds bulk to stools. It is unlikely to be absorbed by the body, but is expected to be partially fermented by the microbiome of the intestine.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and the Scientific Committee on Food added substances evaluated xanthan gum in food and found that it was safe for use in foods. In addition, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies assessed the safety of xanthan gum in food and concluded that there is no evidence to support any safety concerns with xanthan gum in the general population.
ANS Panel called for occurrence data on xanthan gum
In the recent ANS Panel report, the agency called for more occurrence data on . The substance has several potential adverse effects. Some of these have been reported in animals and humans, but there is no definitive evidence on human exposure to it. Despite the lack of evidence, it is likely that the substance is safe for human consumption. Animal studies suggest that it is not absorbed or metabolized by the digestive system. Rather, it is partially fermented by the microbiota of the intestinal tract. In humans, the rate of breakdown of the polysaccharide would be low, but would lead to a small amount of short-chain fatty acids. However, these effects were deemed not to be concerning enough to warrant further studies.
The ANS Panel’s assessment of xanthan gum (E 415) is based on its occurrence and safety in food products. It is an approved ingredient in a wide variety of foods. The Panel considered a scenario where there was no brand loyalty to a particular food category. Therefore, the Panel assumed that people would be exposed to xanthan gum over the long term.
ANS Panel published a public call for occurrence data
The ANS Panel published a public call for data on in 2007. The panel stated that there was insufficient evidence to support the health claims and concluded that there were insufficient data to support such claims. In addition, there was insufficient evidence for genotoxicity. The panel based its evaluation on previous evaluations and additional literature, as well as data provided in response to the public call for data. However, not all studies cited in previous evaluations were available for the re-evaluation. is a high molecular weight polysaccharide produced by the pure-culture fermentation of a carbohydrate with a strain of the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris.
Although xanthan gum is an approved food additive in the EU and elsewhere, the scientific community has raised concerns about its safety. The EU Scientific Committee on Food and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives have both evaluated the use of xanthan gum.
ANS Panel issued a public call for occurrence data
In order to improve their safety assessment, the ANS Panel has issued a public call for occurrence data for (E 415). They are seeking updated information on the level of occurrence and concentration of in food products.
The ANS Panel is evaluating (E 415) based on regulatory and legislative maximum exposure levels for this additive. It will also consider the information about that can dogs eat vienna sausages which is available in the food categories where the product is used.
Why is xanthan gum such a contentious topic?
Given that it is technically a food additive, it has grown contentious. It is produced by a natural process, but it does not happen spontaneously. Corn or wheat is frequently used as the carbohydrate or sugar in the production. Although the corn or wheat is filtered, there can still be traces in the finished product.
You can feed your dog a balanced and appetising diet in a quick and easy method using canned food. Consider converting to a raw diet or cooking a home-cooked diet if you want to stay away from food additives and processed foods. How to produce a nutritious meal for your dog at home can be learned more about.
