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XANTHAN GUM

 

This ingredient is not currently on EWG's Restricted or Unacceptable Lists.

Asthma/Respiratory
 
No Data, Some Concern
 
Skin Allergies &
Irritation
 
No Data, Some Concern
 
Developmental &
Reproductive Toxicity
 
Low Concern
 
Cancer
 
Low Concern
 
Environment
 
No Data, Some Concern
 
Top scoring factors: Low concern for biodegradation; acute aquatic toxicity; cancer
XANTHAN GUM can be found in 122 products.
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Evidence

Health 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.
 
 
About the ratings About the ratings
EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from the published scientific... continue reading →
EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors that determine actual health risks, if any. (Hide)
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