Locust Bean Gum (E 410)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Locust bean gum (E 410) is a thickener made from carob seeds.

What the evidence review says

Locust bean gum is a thickener from carob seeds. EFSA found no safety concern for the general population at reported uses. For special medical foods for infants, EFSA found an adequate safety margin in only some of the exposure scenarios it assessed; for toddlers eating those foods, the margin was adequate at all levels considered.

No notable concern for the general population at reported uses. Ordinary foods are not the issue. In foods for special medical purposes for infants and young children, EFSA in 2023 used reduced blood zinc in piglets (reference point 1,400 mg/kg body weight per day) and found the margin of exposure could fall below 1 at maximum permitted or maximum reported use levels. The European Commission described those uses as raising safety risks and, in 2026, cut the maximum level for anti-reflux products.

• Source: EFSA Panel on Food Additives Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA J, 2017 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4646
• Source: EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA J, 2023 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7775

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.