# Leche Caspi (couma Macrocarpa Barb. Rodr.)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977011-45-2
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Leche Caspi is a natural masticatory substance derived from the couma macrocarpa tree, a plant native to South America. It is used in chewing gum and similar products as a gum base component that provides texture and chewability.

## 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 | approved |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Leche Caspi?

Leche Caspi (Couma macrocarpa Barb. Rodr.) is a natural plant-derived masticatory substance obtained from the couma macrocarpa tree, a tropical species native to the Amazon basin and other regions of South America. The substance is derived from the latex or resin of the plant and has been traditionally used in regional applications. In the modern food industry, it functions as a component of chewing gum bases and related masticatory products.

## Common Uses

Leche Caspi is primarily used as a masticatory substance in chewing gum formulations. It serves as one of several possible gum base ingredients that contribute to the texture, elasticity, and overall chewing characteristics of gum products. Gum bases typically consist of a blend of natural and/or synthetic materials, and Leche Caspi represents one option for formulators seeking natural or traditionally-used ingredients. Its use is most prevalent in specialty and regional gum products rather than mainstream commercial formulations.

## Safety Assessment

Leche Caspi has not been formally evaluated or approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance, indicating that it lacks the comprehensive safety data package typically required for this classification. However, the absence of FDA GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns. According to FDA records available through AdditiveFacts, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with this substance, suggesting no documented safety incidents in the food supply.

The lack of extensive scientific literature on Leche Caspi reflects its limited use in commercial food applications rather than an identified safety concern. Traditional use in South American regions provides some historical safety context, though such use does not substitute for modern toxicological evaluation. The substance's function as a masticatory substance—meaning it is chewed but not typically swallowed—limits systemic exposure, which may reduce certain types of safety risks associated with ingested additives.

## Regulatory Status

Leche Caspi does not have FDA GRAS status in the United States, which means it cannot be used as a direct food additive in mainstream food products without prior FDA approval. The FDA would require a Food Additive Petition (FAP) or other regulatory pathway for formal authorization. Its regulatory status in other regions, including the European Union, has not been formally documented in major regulatory databases, suggesting limited commercial use internationally.

The lack of regulatory approval in major markets likely reflects the availability of alternative masticatory substances—both natural and synthetic—that have already undergone formal safety evaluation and approval. Manufacturers seeking to use Leche Caspi would need to pursue formal regulatory approval through appropriate channels in their target markets.

## Key Studies

A comprehensive literature search reveals minimal peer-reviewed scientific literature specifically addressing the safety or efficacy of Leche Caspi as a food additive. No published toxicological studies, animal models, or human consumption data appear readily available in standard scientific databases. This contrasts with extensive literature available for widely-approved gum base ingredients such as gum arabic, chicle, and various synthetic polymers.

The absence of published research may reflect both the limited commercial use of this ingredient and the historical reliance on traditional use data rather than modern scientific validation. Researchers or manufacturers interested in establishing a stronger safety profile would need to conduct or commission appropriate toxicological and safety studies.

## 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. "Leche Caspi (couma Macrocarpa Barb. Rodr.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/leche-caspi-couma-macrocarpa-barb-rodr. Accessed 2026-05-19.