,The East African Community has published Draft East African Standard DEAS 1326:2026, establishing harmonized specifications for food-grade Gum Arabic intended for human consumption across partner states. The proposed standard defines quality, safety, grading, testing methods, and labeling requirements for Gum Arabic derived from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal.
Under the draft specification, Gum Arabic must appear as a pale white to yellowish-orange or brown solid, free from extraneous matter such as bark, sand, or other contaminants. The product must be highly soluble in water and insoluble in ethanol, confirming its authenticity. Key compositional requirements include a minimum total Gum Arabic content of 95% (dry basis), pH between 4.5 and 7.0, maximum moisture content of 15%, maximum total ash of 4%, acid-insoluble ash not exceeding 0.5%, and insoluble matter limited to 1%.
The draft also establishes three grading categories based on particle size and foreign matter content. Grade 1 requires gum pieces larger than 4 mm with foreign matter not exceeding 0.5%, while Grade 2 and Grade 3 permit progressively smaller sizes and higher levels of foreign material.
Strict microbiological criteria are introduced to ensure product safety. Total aerobic plate count must not exceed 10³ CFU/g, while Escherichia coli and Salmonella must be absent, and yeasts and moulds must remain below 200 CFU/g. The draft further sets heavy metal limits, including a maximum of 1 mg/kg arsenic and 2 mg/kg lead, and requires compliance with Codex pesticide residue limits.
The standard also outlines requirements for hygienic handling, packaging, storage, and labeling, including declaration of product name, botanical source, grade, harvest year, processing date, and confirmation that the product is food grade. Gum Arabic must be packaged in food-grade containers and stored in clean, cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions to maintain quality throughout its shelf life.
The harmonized specification aims to facilitate regional trade, ensure product quality, and strengthen safety standards for Gum Arabic used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent in the food industry.