E416 · Karaja Sak
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E416?
Karaya gum is a natural gum exuded from the bark of Sterculia trees (primarily grown in India, not the Amazon), used as a thickener, stabilizer, and bulking agent in foods, and as a bulk-forming laxative in some pharmaceutical products. In food, it is used at low levels in sauces, dressings, and dessert products.
Also appears on labels as: Karaja Sak, Karaya Sak, Karaya Gum, Gum Karaya, Sterculia Gum, Indian Tragacanth, E416, E 416, E-416, Gum from Sterculia urens, Thickener E416, Stabilizer E416.
What the evidence says
- Well documented as a bulk-forming laxative; large amounts can cause diarrhea or digestive discomfort.
- Should be consumed with adequate fluid, as with other swelling gums, to avoid throat or digestive tract obstruction.
- Approved as safe at typical food-use levels by EFSA and FDA, with an established acceptable daily intake.
Frequently asked questions
Is E416 safe?
Our overall verdict for E416 (Karaja Sak) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E416 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Karaja Sak — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E416 and why is it used?
Karaya gum is a natural gum exuded from the bark of Sterculia trees (primarily grown in India, not the Amazon), used as a thickener, stabilizer, and bulking agent in foods, and as a bulk-forming laxative in some pharmaceutical products. In food, it is used at low levels in sauces, dressings, and dessert products.
Does E416 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Karaja Sak.
Watch E416
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Karaja Sak changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.