Alland & Robert welcomes US verdict on acacia gum

Global natural gums company Alland & Robert has welcomed a ruling that acacia gum can be classified as a fibre for nutrition labelling purposes in the United States, writes Neill Barston.

As the company explained, the FDA released its verdict last week, which it revealed will have a significant positive impact for the ingredient – which has broad application within the confectionery sector.

The ruling will consequently allow acacia gum to count as a dietary fibre on American Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels. Strong scientific literature demonstrates that acacia gum is a fibre.

Today, the FDA agreed that acacia gum has physiological effects beneficial to human health, such as the reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels.

Alland & Robert, along with a work group of other acacia gum stakeholders, has submitted two science-backed citizen
petitions in 2019 and 2020, in order to provide the FDA with data showing proof that acacia gum has indeed
“physiological benefits to human health”. Dr. Isabelle Jaouen, R&D Director at Alland & Robert said: “We have provided the FDA with numerous data coming from several clinical trials to support our request that acacia gum be recognised as a dietary fibre. Two laboratories that specialise in clinical nutrition, including one university, have been mandated for the design and realisation of the clinical tests. Our citizen petitions included data showing the benefits of acacia gum on blood glucose levels”.

Commenting on the FDA decision, Mr. Frédéric Alland, CEO at Alland & Robert said : “We are extremely satisfied that
the FDA agrees with us that acacia gum is a fibre and can be labelled as such. It’s a great news for the American
consumers, who will be able to enjoy this natural ingredient in their daily food. Alland & Robert remains committed to
providing the highest quality of natural and non-GMO Acacia Fibre”.

Acacia gum, also known as gum Arabic or E414, is a natural, vegetal, safe, functional and healthy additive used in
flavours, beverages, confectionery, dairy, bakery, dietary products, pharma and cosmetics among others. Acacia gum
is today found in thousands of day to day products all over the world. Alland & Robert guarantees a minimum fibre
content of 90% for all products of its Acacia Fibre range (international method AOAC 985-29). In the United States,
Alland & Robert is distributed exclusively by US company Farbest Brands.