Natural Thickener
Generic umbrella term that can refer to many specific compounds with different safety profiles. Most natural thickeners (guar gum, xanthan, pectin) are GRAS at typical use levels.
What it is
A generic umbrella term for any plant- or microbially-derived thickening agent (e.g., guar gum, xanthan, locust bean gum, pectin, agar, carrageenan).
Used to thicken, gel, or stabilize sauces, soups, dressings, dairy products, and processed foods.
What regulators actually say
"FDA's Food Additive Status List provides regulatory status of food additives including thickeners and stabilizers."
"EFSA evaluates the safety of food additives, including thickeners, used in the EU; each substance receives an individual safety evaluation."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Specific thickeners regulated individually; many are GRAS or permitted food additives.
European Union — EFSA
Specific thickeners individually evaluated; most permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
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