E423: Modified Acacia Gum
Main role: emulsion stabilization
Also listed as: octenyl succinic acid modified gum arabic, OSA-modified gum arabic
What is E423 (Modified Acacia Gum)?
E423 is acacia gum modified with octenyl succinic acid chemistry to improve performance in certain emulsions. It differs from unmodified gum arabic E414. The modification concerns the gum's formulation properties rather than the genetic modification of a plant.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is emulsion stabilization. Texture ingredients help a recipe control thickness, binding, or separation. Their behavior depends on temperature, acidity, concentration, and other ingredients; two thickeners with similar names may not perform identically.
Food and formulation examples
- Flavor-oil emulsions
- Beverage concentrates
- Ingredient encapsulation
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E423, E 423, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include octenyl succinic acid modified gum arabic, OSA-modified gum arabic. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The word modified describes chemical processing here. It does not itself identify whether a raw agricultural material was genetically modified.
Is E423 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E423 as Octenyl succinic acid modified gum arabic. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.