Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum, E410)

Carob seed endosperm gum from Mediterranean processors, bought on galactomannan and viscosity

Locust bean gum is the ground endosperm of the seeds of the carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua, and the seed is only about 10% of the pod, which ties supply to the Mediterranean carob harvest. Portugal (28.8%), Italy (23.1%), Morocco (16.1%) and Türkiye (10.4%) were the main carob pod producers in 2015-2018 in one published review, and about 75% of 2016 output came from Portugal, Italy, Spain and Morocco, where the gum processors are concentrated. It is a galactomannan like guar, and buyers use it for ice cream, cream cheese and dairy desserts and in combination with other gums. In the EU the additive is E410 and must meet Regulation (EU) No 231/2012: galactomannan not less than 75%, protein not more than 7%, acid-insoluble matter not more than 4%, arsenic 3 mg/kg, lead 2 mg/kg, mercury 1 mg/kg and cadmium 1 mg/kg. EFSA noted that the monograph, unlike other gums, has no microbiological criteria and recommended adding Salmonella, E. coli, total aerobic count and yeasts and moulds, so the buyer writes them into the contract. EFSA found no need for a numerical ADI for the general population.

UN Comtrade 2024 export declarations under HS 1302.32, which holds locust bean gum and guar together, put Spain at USD 100 million and 7,200 MT, Italy at USD 83 million and 9,000 MT and Morocco at USD 24 million and 1,400 MT; those are subheading totals that mix both gums, not offers. The buyer is an ice cream, dairy, pet food or ingredient manufacturer or a hydrocolloid distributor. CBIL is a commodity brokerage company and brokers locust bean gum from processors in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Morocco against the processor's certificate of analysis for galactomannan, protein, acid-insoluble matter, viscosity, moisture, microbiology and heavy metals, a certificate of origin, and halal and kosher certificates from bodies the buyer accepts. Every lot carries a certificate of origin naming the processor's plant. Bags move palletised in 20-ft dry containers or groupage on FCA, FOB, CFR and CIF terms, priced per MT on grade; minimum quantities are confirmed per product and pack. Send the viscosity, application, certification, volume and destination, and the enquiry is screened and worked against it.

Excluded origins are not offered, including product re-exported, blended or re-processed through a third country. Every lot moves with a certificate of origin naming the producing plant, mine or grower country, and nothing is quoted before the seller and loading point are known.