Recent alerts involving non‑EU xanthan have intensified concern about contaminants and customs disruption. Andina Ingham says its European‑origin xanthan and “Switch‑Safe” process offer UK food manufacturers a lower‑risk alternative.

UK food manufacturers are reviewing their xanthan gum supply chains in the wake of renewed contamination concerns linked to Chinese origin material, according to natural ingredients specialist Andina Ingham.

Recent EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications and industry reports have highlighted several instances where xanthan gum imported from China was flagged or blocked due to contaminant residues and documentation issues, particularly around ethylene oxide and, more recently, chlorates. These cases have led to border delays, product rejections and costly rerouting for importers.

Poor Quality Risks Brand Trust

Andina Company Director Bruce Phillips says: “Recent alerts involving non‑EU xanthan have made it clear that UK manufacturers can’t afford surprises in their stabiliser supply. When an ingredient as fundamental as xanthan goes wrong, you don’t just lose one batch you risk retailer relationships and brand trust.”

Xanthan gum is a critical thickener and stabiliser for sauces, dressings, ready meals, beverages, bakery and plant‑based products, where it underpins viscosity, texture and shelf‑life. Any disruption or non‑compliance therefore has an immediate impact on production schedules and service levels.

Andina’s “Switch‑Safe Xanthan” Process

To help manufacturers reduce their exposure, Andina is promoting European‑origin xanthan produced in Austria, supported by a structured “Switch‑Safe Xanthan” process designed to de‑risk supplier change.

The team at Andina Ingham say its xanthan is fully compliant with EU legislation on ethylene oxide and backed by rigorous testing and documentation packs that enable QA teams to satisfy retailer and audit requirements. Production from non‑GMO raw materials, a range of food‑grade meshes, and investment in low‑carbon manufacturing, including what is described as Austria’s largest solar powered business installation, are all positioned as further benefits for UK buyers seeking both safety and sustainability.

Recognising that manufacturers are cautious about changing a critical ingredient, Andina’s Switch-Safe Xanthan process takes customers through five stages: discovery and specification match, sample and laboratory validation, help with trials, sign-off and phased scale-up, and ongoing optimisation. The aim is to prove equivalent or improved performance in the customer’s own formulations and processes before any full changeover is agreed.

Andina is inviting UK food and drink manufacturers currently reliant on Chinese or other non‑EU xanthan to request a Switch‑Safe assessment and European origin samples matched to their existing grades, accompanied by full technical and compliance documentation.

Further information can be found here:

https://andina-ingham.co.uk/the-benefits-of-european-xanthan-gum/

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