Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum for dogs and cats based on a dossier submitted by Intercolloid (UK) Ltd

The additive cassia gum, the ground, purified endosperm of the seeds of Cassia tora and Cassia obtusifolia, is intended to be used as a technological additive (functional groups: thickeners and gelling agents) in feedingstuffs for all dogs and cats. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that only purified semi-refined cassia gum that meets the specifications of cassia gum as a food additive (< 0.5 mg anthraquinones/kg) can be considered safe for cats and dogs, at a maximum content of 13 200 mg/kg complete feed. Cassia gum is regarded as a skin and respiratory sensitiser and as a potential irritant to skin and eyes. It would be prudent to assume that cassia gum has the potential to harm workers who might be exposed via skin, eyes or inhalation. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of cassia gum used as a gelling agent and thickener in feedingstuffs for dogs and cats. (C) European Food Safety Authority, 2014.