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Acacia
Level 2 — Generally safeIn Winter's Dictionary
Acacia is a thickener gum — Emulsifier, flavoring additive, processing aid, stabilizer, thickener
Also: Gum Arabic, Acacia vera, Acacia senegal, Egyptian Thorn, Catechu
What it does
Emulsifier, flavoring additive, processing aid, stabilizer, thickener
Where you'll see it
Confectionery (retards sugar crystallization), candies, jellies, glazes, chewing gum, beverages, frostings, soft candy, hard candy
What the research says
Can cause allergic reactions such as skin rash and asthmatic attacks. Oral toxicity is low.
Benefits
Slightly reduces cholesterol in the blood; used medically as a demulcent to soothe mucous membrane irritations
Regulatory status
- US FDA: GRAS
- Notes: Placed in GRAS category in 1976
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Its most distinguishing quality among the natural gums is its ability to dissolve rapidly in water