Karaya Gum
The short version
A traditional Indian tree-resin gum — strong water absorption, used as a bulk laxative and a clean-label thickener.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
EFSA's 2016 re-evaluation found no safety concern and no need for a numerical ADI, but advised that intake from its use as a food additive should not exceed 7,000 mg per person per day in adults, the level at which some people had abdominal discomfort. JECFA allocated an ADI 'not specified' in 1988. Treated as a soluble fiber; not absorbed. May trigger asthma in workers with chronic inhalation exposure (occupational concern, not food).
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Re-evaluation of karaya gum (E 416) as a food additive (EFSA Journal 2016;14(12):4598) — European Food Safety Authority, 2016. No safety concern, no numerical ADI; EU maximum permitted levels
- JECFA — Karaya gum (INS 416), evaluation 1988 — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 1988. JECFA ADI 'not specified'
- 21 CFR 184.1349 — Karaya gum (sterculia gum), GRAS with maximum usage levels — U.S. eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. US: GRAS with category maximum usage levels
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.