What is Xanthan gum (E415)?
Last updated on: 12/29/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
8
/10
Low Concern
Generally safe within authorized limits, very high intakes may cause gastrointestinal effects.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Xanthan gum is a nuturally occuring emulsifier and is used to increase viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and improve texture in foods. It’s produced by fermenting sugar (usually from corn, wheat, or soy) using a bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris.
Safety Summary
- Its naturally occuring and commercially produced emulsifer.
- Well studied and approved by all major regulators.
- No sensitivity group or safety concerns identified when used in authorized limits by EFSA re-evaluation study.
Who should be cautious?
Infants below 16 weeks (Considered safe within authorised infant formula uses); individuals with gastrointestinal sensitivity at high intake.
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E415 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-415 |
|
Category : |
Emulsifier |
|
Sub-category : |
Stabilizers, Thickeners |
|
Origin : |
Naturally occurring (commercially produced) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
415, Xanthan, Corn sugar gum |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Guar gum (E412), Locust bean gum (E410), Carboxymethyl cellulose / CMC (E466), Gum arabic / Acacia gum (E414) |
Common Products
Due to its good emulsification properties, you may find it in the following products:
- Dried pastas and noodles and like products,
- Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea,
- Sterilized and UHT creams,
- Fermented milks (plain), etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Used in food consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice; no specific numerical limit beyond GMP. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Not specified (ADI not required). Use is controlled through authorized food categories and maximum permitted levels. For infant formula, exposure up to authorized levels showed no safety concern. |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (subject to specified maximum levels in food categories) |
Permitted in defined food categories; category-wise maximum use levels (mg/kg or mg/L) listed in FSSAI schedules (aligned with Codex/Food Regulation limits) |
Health concerns
- EFSA identified no genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or systemic toxicity concerns at authorized use levels. Gastrointestinal effects may occur at very high intakes due to its fiber-like properties.
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Clinical evidence in infants was limited but available data showed no clear adverse effects at use levels typical for such products.
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For the general population, EFSA study confirms that xanthan gum does not present safety concerns at reported use levels in food.
- WHO concluded that the consumption of xanthan gum in infant formula or formula for special medical purposes intended for infants is of no safety concern at the maximum proposed use level of 1000 mg/L.
Conclusions
Xanthan gum is considered one of the safest emulsifiers and is approved by all major regulators, but moderate consumption is advised by studies.