gelling agent INS 418

Gellan Gum E418

natural-derived β€” Primarily fermentation.

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Approved
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: Approved
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan: Approved
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί AU/NZ: Approved
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Gellan gum

CAS: 71010-52-1

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Gellan Gum is produced through fermentation β€” the same biological process used to make bread, beer, and yogurt.

Beyond food, Gellan Gum is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Gellan Gum has a "quantum satis" authorization β€” Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted in most food categories

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.

πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: ζ—’ε­˜ζ·»εŠ η‰©

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: fermentation

Produced by aerobic fermentation of glucose or other carbohydrates by the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea, followed by precipitation with alcohol, filtration, drying, and milling into powder.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in personal care products as a gelling agent.

Medical

Used in controlled-release drug formulations.

Industrial

Used in plant tissue culture media as an agar substitute.

Household

Used in molecular gastronomy and vegan cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gellan Gum (E418)?
Gellan Gum (E418) is a gelling agent used in food products. It is natural-derived and fermentation. A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation of Sphingomonas elodea (formerly Pseudomonas elodea). Discovered in 1978 by Kelco Company researchers. Creates firm, brittle gels similar to agar but at lower concentrations.
What foods contain Gellan Gum?
Gellan Gum is used in various food categories including Flavoured fermented milk products, Edible ices. It is used as a gelling agent in these products.
Is Gellan Gum the same as Gelrite?
Yes, Gellan Gum is also known as Gelrite, Kelcogel. These are different names for the same substance.