Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum for dogs and cats based on a dossier submitted by Glycomer GmbH

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 group: 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 dusting potential of the additive and the particle size distribution in dust mean that there is a high probability of inhalation exposure of unprotected workers handling the dry additive. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that cassia gum used alone, in accordance with the conditions of use, is not efficacious as a gelling agent. However, the FEEDAP Panel noted that cassia gum has the potential to be effective as a gelling agent when used together with carrageenan in feeds with moisture content higher than 20 %.