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It has been more than a year since consignments of the thickening agent E412 (guar gum) originating from India contaminated by pentachlorophenol and dioxins appeared on the European market. In connection with this incident, the European Commission tightened up the import of guar gum from India – each batch must be accompanied by an analytical report from an accredited laboratory proving that the product does not pose a threat to human health. The report is then reviewed and endorsed by a representative of the competent enforcement authority, which is, in the Czech Republic, the Czech Agricultural and Food Inspection (CAFIA).  

Owing to these measures, a batch of contaminated guar gum from India was detained at the Czech border on Monday, September 29. The importer submitted to inspectors of CAFIA a report of laboratory analyses of two batches of E412. However, higher levels of pentachlorophenol were confirmed in one of them. Therefore, the batch of a total weight of 10 tonnes was not allowed in the Czech Republic. The Inspection issued a permit for the other  batch, which complied with the requirements, to enter the market.  

´As the defective batch did not reach the market at all, there is no health risk to consumers. This also proves that the Czech Agricultural and Food Inspection consistently complies with the measures introduced by the European Commission and that they are effective.´ said Mr. Jakub Šebesta, the CAFIA Director General. The Europen Commission and other Member States have been informed about the incident by means of the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed.

Addition to press release: On the basis of many requests from both Czech and foreign companies we are making public producer's name. The contaminated guar gum was placed on the market by the Indian company Satyam Enterprises (M.I.A., Phase II., Basni, Jodhpur 342 005).