FSA Interested Parties Notification, 3 April 2008
The proposed Commission Decision imposing special conditions on guar gum is almost through the process of scrutiny by the European Parliament.
Implementation is expected to take place in the week commencing 14 April, although this is yet to be confirmed.
The Decision will apply to all guar gum originating from India, as well as compound products containing at least 10% guar gum originating from India, and entering the EU and will impose requirements for testing and certification for the absence of pentachlorophenol (PCP).
Further details will be available when the Decision is published.
Background Note:
The following is a relevant extract from the latest Contaminants Update provided by the FSA. For full details, see: 1 February 2008 CONTAMINNANTS - February 2008 FSA update on EU discussions relating to chemical contaminants
Following the FVO mission to India to investigate the contamination of guar gum with pentachlorophenol, the Commission is not satisfied with the response of the Indian authorities, notably the proposed timetable for putting necessary safeguards in place to avoid a repeat occurrence. It is therefore proposing its own measures, which will include requiring all guar gum and guar gum-containing mixtures from India entering the EU directly or via a third country to be accompanied by certification to the effect that it is PCP-free.