Origin
E 414 mainly consists of long-chain multiple sugars, the so-called polysaccharides. Gum arabic is obtained by incising the bark of acacia trees, after which the viscous plant sap oozes out. The product is then cleaned until it reaches standard food quality. As a final product, a colorless and odorless solid substance is formed that dissolves in warm water to form a viscous liquid. E414 also has the property of excellently stabilizing fat-water mixtures.
Usage
The use of E 414 is neither subject to approval restrictions nor does it require a specific addition amount to be maintained. However, E 414 is often used for the following foods: beer, confectionery, drink powders, whipped cream, and cake icing.
Risks
The food additive gum arabic is considered safe. However, allergy-prone individuals may react sensitively to the substance. This probably has less to do with the product itself but rather with contaminants that can occur in natural products. Gum arabic is metabolized by the body and utilized like fatty acids.