Learn Glossary thickener gum

Polyacrylamide

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Polyacrylamide is a thickener gum — White solid polymer of acrylamide; thickening additive, suspending additive, additive to adhesives

What it does

White solid polymer of acrylamide; thickening additive, suspending additive, additive to adhesives

Where you'll see it

fruit/vegetable washing, clarifying cane sugar, film former on soft-shell gelatin capsules

What the research says

Highly toxic. Irritating to skin. Can cause central nervous system paralysis. Can be absorbed through unbroken skin.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: ASP

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Highly toxic and irritating to the skin. Causes central nervous system paralysis. Can be absorbed through unbroken skin