Product Name: Tara Gum
Chemical Name: Polygalactomannan derived from the cyanogenic seeds of Caesalpinia spinosa
Synonyms: E417, Peruvian carob gum
CAS Number: 39300-88-4
Recommended Use: Used as a food stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier, and gelling agent
Supplier Details: Name, address, and emergency contact information as per importer or manufacturer record
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to Local Poison Control Centers, or as provided by supplier
Manufacturing Location: Typically grown and processed in Peru and some South American countries
Classification: Non-hazardous for health and environment, not classified as dangerous in accordance with EC directives
Label Elements: No pictogram or signal word required
Health Hazards: Low inhalation risk as a dust, not marked as sensitizer; physical contact may occasionally cause transient mild irritation
Environmental Hazards: Readily biodegradable, not expected to pose long-term threat to aquatic life
Fire and Explosion Risk: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air; avoid ignition sources
Precautionary Statements: Avoid spillage, do not inhale dust, ensure good workplace ventilation
Chemical Identity: Tara gum
Content: 100% pure tara gum, no significant impurities contributing to hazard
Molecular Structure: Linear polysaccharide composed mainly of galactose and mannose residues
Additives: Additive-free, no antimicrobial agents or preservatives by default
Allergen Information: Free from gluten, nuts, soy, dairy, and animal derivatives in standard manufacturing practices
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air and rest in a position comfortable for breathing; seek medical attention if persistent irritation or allergic symptoms occur
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water; wash gently with soap and water if irritation appears or persists
Eye Contact: Flush immediately with plenty of running water for at least 10 minutes; seek medical evaluation if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water; product considered food-safe but medical advice suggested in case of unusual reaction
Special Notes: Always call a medical professional for persistent symptoms or known allergies
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical extinguishers, foam
Unsuitable Media: Aim to avoid direct water jets, which may spread powder clouds
Specific Hazards: Fine dust may form explosive air/dust mixtures; product combusts to produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and small quantities of other organic byproducts
Protective Actions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear in confined spaces
Advice for Firefighters: Stay upwind and prevent run-off contaminated water from entering drains and water courses
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust generation, use personal protective equipment such as dust masks, gloves, and safety goggles to limit exposure
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering watercourses; small amounts biodegradable
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum clean with HEPA-filtered equipment; transfer to containers for reuse or disposal
Spillage Response: Dampen with water to avoid creating dust clouds; ventilate the area
Disposal of Residues: Collect waste material and dispose in line with local regulations
Safe Handling Advice: Use local exhaust ventilation in dusty environments; avoid ingestion and contact with skin and eyes; wash hands thoroughly after use
Precautions: Ground and bond containers when transferring material to prevent static discharge
Storage Requirements: Store in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, protected from moisture and strong odors
Packaging Materials: Use food-grade, air-tight containers to maintain quality
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, direct sunlight, and high humidity
Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for tara gum; treat as nuisance dust (10 mg/m³ for total dust, 3 mg/m³ for respirable fractions)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation for bulk handling
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator; safety goggles; non-permeable gloves for repeated exposures
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; keep work clothes separate from street clothes
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of airborne dust levels in production or packaging areas
Appearance: Off-white to light beige powder, characteristic plant odor
Odor: Odorless to faint, plant-derived note
pH (1% solution): 5.5 – 7.0
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 500–700 kg/m³
Solubility in Water: Swells and partially dissolves forming viscous colloidal dispersion
Flash Point: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: >350°C
Particle Size: 90% below 250 microns (typical)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive in neutral, aqueous environments
Thermal Decomposition: May release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of acrolein at elevated temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, ignition sources, incompatible chemicals
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: None under normal conditions
Polymerization: Will not occur
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Practically non-toxic; LD50 (oral, rat) > 10,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Not considered irritating
Eye Irritation: Slight mechanical irritation possible due to dust; not classified as an irritant
Sensitization: No reports of allergic sensitization; bystander allergens unlikely
Long-Term Effects: Not identified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of adverse effects from prolonged exposure at occupational or dietary levels
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable by soil and aquatic microflora
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Minimal risk, non-toxic at expected environmental concentrations
Mobility in Soil: Soluble fraction may leach, but bulk material remains localised
Persistence: Rapid breakdown under natural conditions
Other Adverse Effects: No known negative ecological impacts at industrial or consumer use levels
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for food-grade organic materials
Sewage Disposal: Small quantities allowed in general waste systems; avoid direct release to large bodies of water
Container Disposal: Rinse and recycle or dispose per local container regulations
Recommended Methods: Composting, landfill, or incineration as permitted by local authority
Special Precautions: Prevent powder dispersal during waste handling
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not assigned
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods
Packing Group: Not regulated
Marine Pollutant: No
Transport Labels Required: None mandated
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from moisture, keep containers closed and upright during transport
Limitations: None set by widely accepted national or international codes
U.S. Regulations: FDA GRAS status, permitted for use as a food additive in accordance with 21 CFR 172.99
EU Regulations: Approved as E417, included in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives
Other International: Listed by JECFA and CODEX as a thickener and stabilizer; not listed as a controlled or hazardous substance
Worker Protections: OSHA standards for general dust in workplace cover permissible exposure
Labeling Requirements: Exempt from hazard labeling status under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)