# Gum Arabic, Hydrogen Octenylbutane Dioate (E414)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**E-number:** E414
**CAS number:** 455885-22-0
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Gum Arabic, Hydrogen Octenylbutane Dioate (CAS 455885-22-0) is a synthetic emulsifier and stabilizer used in food products to maintain uniform texture and prevent ingredient separation. It functions as both an emulsifying agent and thickening agent in various processed foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Gum Arabic, Hydrogen Octenylbutane Dioate?

Gum Arabic, Hydrogen Octenylbutane Dioate is a chemically modified emulsifier compound with the CAS number 455885-22-0. Despite its name incorporating "Gum Arabic," this substance is a synthetic derivative rather than the traditional natural gum arabic (acacia gum). The compound functions as an emulsifier by helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients that would otherwise separate, while simultaneously serving as a thickening and stabilizing agent in food formulations.

## Common Uses

This additive is employed in the food industry primarily as a functional ingredient in processed foods requiring stable emulsions. Common applications include:

- Beverages requiring stable texture and consistency
- Sauces and condiments where ingredient separation must be prevented
- Salad dressings and oil-water mixtures
- Baked goods and confectionery products
- Dairy and non-dairy processed foods
- Ready-to-eat meal components

The dual functionality as both emulsifier and thickener makes it useful in formulations where multiple textural properties must be maintained during shelf storage and consumer use.

## Safety Assessment

Based on available regulatory data, this additive has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, indicating it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process with the FDA. However, the lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects the regulatory classification and approval pathway used for this particular ingredient.

The FDA maintains no recorded adverse events associated with this additive in its adverse event reporting system. Additionally, there are no documented FDA recalls specifically attributed to this ingredient, suggesting it has not been implicated in food safety incidents that triggered regulatory action.

As a synthetic emulsifier, safety evaluation typically considers potential toxicity, allergenicity, and metabolic effects. The absence of adverse event reports over the period during which this ingredient has been in use represents an important safety marker, though the relatively limited public health surveillance data compared to more extensively used additives warrants continued monitoring.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory approval status of this additive varies by jurisdiction. It does not hold FDA GRAS status, which means foods containing this ingredient in the United States would require either:

- Pre-market FDA approval through a food additive petition, or
- Classification as a food additive subject to FDA regulations

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval lists for food additives, and this ingredient's status in EU regulations should be independently verified through EFSA databases for products marketed in Europe.

Manufacturers using this ingredient in food products marketed in the United States must ensure compliance with all applicable FDA regulations regarding food additive approval and labeling requirements.

## Key Studies

Limited peer-reviewed literature specifically addressing this particular compound is publicly available in major scientific databases. Most safety data for synthetic emulsifiers derives from chemical composition analysis, in vitro studies, and acute toxicity testing conducted during development and regulatory review phases.

General research on synthetic emulsifiers indicates that properly formulated compounds undergo testing for oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive/developmental effects as part of standard safety evaluation protocols. The specific toxicological profile of this compound would have been established through testing protocols required for food additive approval in jurisdictions where it is permitted.

Researchers and consumers seeking detailed safety data on this additive should consult:
- FDA's Color Additives Status List and Food Additives Status List
- Manufacturer technical documentation and safety data sheets
- Published toxicology reports from regulatory submissions

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Gum Arabic, Hydrogen Octenylbutane Dioate (E414) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/gum-arabic-hydrogen-octenylbutane-dioate. Accessed 2026-05-12.