YenzoWhat is E412 (guar gum)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists guar gum (INS 412) with the functions thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer.
E412Guar gum
E412 is guar gum. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists it as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer.
Did you know? In 2007 high levels of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dioxins were found in the EU in certain batches of guar gum originating in or consigned from India. Regulation (EU) No 258/2010 then imposed special import conditions on guar gum from India, and the EU specification for E 412 sets a maximum limit for PCP.
- Code
- E412 · INS 412
- Group
- Thickener, Stabilizer, Emulsifier
- ADI
- ADI “not specified” (EFSA 2017) This means no numerical ADI is needed: by JECFA’s definition of the term, at the levels needed in food the substance does not represent a hazard to health. Vietnam’s Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT calls this an ADI “không xác định” (“not specified”, Article 3(6)).
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2017
How E412 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (412), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
thickener (412)thickener 412E412INS 412gôm guarguar gumguar gumsOn Vietnamese labels: Gôm gua
Guar gum in food
Foods for infants and young children
Soups and brothsFermented milk productsBread and rollsCocoa productsQuestions about guar gum
Is guar gum harmful?
In its 2017 re-evaluation of guar gum (E412), EFSA concluded that there is no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) and no safety concern for the general population at the estimated exposure from its use as a food additive.
Is guar gum permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Guar gum (INS 412) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E412?
In 2024 EFSA concluded that the submitted data are not sufficient to support the safe use of guar gum (E 412) in food for infants (below and above 16 weeks of age) and young children under categories 13.1.1, 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2. One business operator stated that E 412 is not used in categories 13.1.1 and 13.1.5.1 but is present in products under category 13.1.5.2. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other thickeners
E407CarrageenanmoderateE410Locust bean gumlowE413TragacanthlowE414Acacia gum (gum arabic)lowE415Xanthan gumlowE416Karaya gumlow
See all thickeners →Found in these products
Sữa tươi Mộc Châu Milk không đường (unsweetened fresh milk)Mộc Châu Milk · milk and milk drinks
Mì Paldo Koreno vị nguyên bản (original ramen)Paldo · instant noodles
Kem dừa Vietcoco (coconut cream)Vietcoco · canned food
Mì Paldo Volcano vị gà (chicken ramen)Paldo · instant noodles
Mì xào Koreno Volcano vị gà (chicken stir-fried noodles)Paldo · instant noodles
Mì Samyang Buldak vị gà cay sốt rosé (rosé hot chicken ramen)Samyang · instant noodles
Mì xào Samyang vị gà cay (spicy chicken stir-fried ramen)Samyang · instant noodles
Mì ramen Vifon vị nước tương (soy sauce ramen)Vifon · instant noodlesMì ramen HO-YA vị gà (golden chicken ramen)HO-YA · instant noodlesUpdated 20 October 2026
Sources (3)
- EFSA Journal: Re-evaluation of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive (2017).
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2024). Re-evaluation of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of its re-evaluation as food additive for uses in foods for all population groups