EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning | XANTHAN GUM

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XANTHAN GUM

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COMMONLY FOUND IN

SYNONYMS

XANTHAN GUM, XANTHAN, POLYSACCHARIDE B 1459, BIOZAN R, GUM XANTHAN, XC POLYMER, E415, CORN SUGAR GUM

See how this product scores for common concerns.

Low concern for biodegradation; acute aquatic toxicity; cancer

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT ISSUE	Level of Concern	Source

A peer-reviewed study reports a possible association between this substance and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Only in: Food Scores®	some	Jennifer Beal, Benson Silverman, Jodeanne Bellant, Thomas E. Young & Karl Klontz. 2012. Late onset necrotizing enterocolitis in infants following use of a xanthan gum-containing thickening agent. The Journal of pediatrics 161(2), 354-6.
European Union Ecolabel program data shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life Only in: Household Cleaners	low	EU Ecolabel: Detergents Ingredients Database
The European Union Ecolabel program reports this substance is readily biodegradable.	low	EU Ecolabel: Detergents Ingredients Database
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives finds this substance does not cause cancer.	low	Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). 2006. Toxicological evaluation of some food colours, enzymes, flavour enhancers, thickening agents, and certain other food additives. WHO Food Additives Series, No. 6, 1975, nos 354-400 on INCHEM.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives finds this substance does not cause reproductive effects.	low	Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). 2006. Toxicological evaluation of some food colours, enzymes, flavour enhancers, thickening agents, and certain other food additives. WHO Food Additives Series, No. 6, 1975, nos 354-400 on INCHEM.