E 417 TARA GUM

Commission Directive 98/86/EC

Definition Tara gum is obtained by grinding the endosperm of the seeds of natural

strains of Caesalpinia spinosa (family Leguminosae). It consists chiefly of polysaccharides of high molecular weight composed mainly of galactomannans. The principal component consists of a linear chain of (1-4)-β-D-mannopyranose units with α±-D-galactopyranose units at tached by (1-6) linkages. The ratio of mannose to galactose in tara gum is 3:1. (In locust bean gum this ratio is 4:1 and in guar gum 2:1)

Einecs 254-409-6

Description A white to white-yellow odourless powder

Identification

A. Solubility Soluble in water

Insoluble in ethanol

B. Gel formation To an aqueous solution of the sample add small amounts of sodium

borate. A gel is formed

Purity

Loss on drying Not more than 15 %

Ash Not more than 1,5 %

Acid insoluble matter Not more than 2 %

Protein Not more than 3,5 % (factor N x 5,7)

Starch Not detectable

Arsenic Not more than 3 mg/kg

Lead Not more than 5 mg/kg

Mercury Not more than 1 mg/kg

Cadmium Not more than 1 mg/kg

Heavy metals (as Pb) Not more than 20 mg/kg