EFSA Releases Opinion on Xanthan Gum as Food Additive for Infants

In 2017, the former EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient sources added to Food re-evaluated xanthan gum (E 415). The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) was subsequently tasked with assessing the safety of xanthan gum as a food additive for infants below 16 weeks of age in a specific food category - Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants

The FAF Panel called for data from business operators to complete the risk assessment and concluded that the specifications for E 415 should be amended. Although clinical studies lacked validity, studies on neonatal piglets provided a reference point. The Panel determined that there are no safety concerns for using xanthan gum in food for infants requiring special medical purposes.