Gum guaiacum
Not authorised in EU, but permitted in AU-NZ and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Preservatives
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Gum guaiacum is a natural resin from the lignum vitae tree, used as an antioxidant to stop fats going rancid.
How it is used in food
Slows the oxidation that turns fats and oils rancid, from a plant rather than synthetic source.
Commonly found in- Edible fats and oils
- Chewing gum
- Shortening and lard
Health and safety
It is not on the EU list of authorised food additives, so it carries no modern evaluation and no acceptable intake. That is the reason to be wary of it, not a demonstrated toxicity — it is a plant resin used historically in medicine.
Not authorised as a food additive in the EU. E241 and E314 refer to essentially the same guaiac resin under two legacy numbers.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E241
Also printed asGuaiac resin · Gum Guaicum
Worth knowing
The same resin is the reagent behind the guaiac faecal occult blood test — it turns blue in the presence of haemoglobin.
Conclusion
An obsolete, unauthorized natural resin.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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