🛡️ SECTION 13: HANDLING, STORAGE, AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR GELLAN GUM

Best Practices to Maintain Quality and Ensure Safety

Proper handling and storage of gellan gum are essential to preserve its functional properties, avoid contamination, and ensure safe use in all applications. This section provides comprehensive guidelines to help manufacturers, formulators, and end users manage gellan gum effectively and comply with safety regulations.

📦 1. HANDLING BEST PRACTICES

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    • Use dust masks or respirators to avoid inhalation of fine powder.

    • Wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent skin and eye contact during handling.

  • Powder Handling:

    • Minimize dust generation by handling gently and using enclosed systems where possible.

    • Employ proper ventilation and local exhaust systems in production areas.

  • Dispersion & Hydration:

    • Slowly sprinkle gellan gum powder into warm water (80–90°C) under agitation to avoid lump formation.

    • Use high-shear mixing if needed for uniform dispersion.

  • Avoid Cross-Contamination:

    • Clean equipment thoroughly between batches.

    • Use dedicated tools and storage containers for gellan gum.

🏢 2. STORAGE CONDITIONS

  • Temperature:

    • Store in a cool environment, ideally between 15°C and 25°C.

    • Avoid exposure to high temperatures which may degrade gellan gum quality.

  • Humidity:

    • Maintain relative humidity below 60% to prevent moisture absorption and caking.

    • Use airtight containers or sealed bags with desiccants if needed.

  • Light Exposure:

    • Protect from direct sunlight to avoid color changes and degradation.

  • Shelf Life:

    • Typical shelf life ranges from 12 to 24 months when stored under recommended conditions.

    • Regularly inspect for signs of caking, discoloration, or odor changes.

⚠️ 3. SAFETY INFORMATION

  • Toxicology:

    • Gellan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by major regulatory bodies for food and pharmaceutical use.

    • Non-toxic and non-irritant in typical handling and usage concentrations.

  • Hazard Identification:

    • May cause mild respiratory irritation if inhaled as dust.

    • Avoid prolonged skin contact to prevent dryness or irritation.

  • First Aid Measures:

    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

    • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water.

    • Eye contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists.

    • Ingestion: Generally safe; in case of discomfort, consult a physician.

📜 4. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

  • Food Additive Approvals:

    • Approved by FDA (Code of Federal Regulations: 21 CFR §172.615), EFSA, JECFA, and other global authorities.

    • Compliance with purity criteria as per international pharmacopeias (USP, EP).

  • Handling Regulations:

    • Follow OSHA guidelines for airborne particulates.

    • Comply with local environmental and occupational health standards.

🔧 5. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Gellan gum is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

  • Dispose of waste materials according to local regulations.

  • Avoid release of large quantities into water bodies to prevent changes in aquatic viscosity.

📋 Summary Table: Handling and Storage Recommendations

AspectRecommendation
PPEDust mask, gloves, goggles
HandlingMinimize dust, gentle powder addition
Storage Temperature15–25°C, avoid heat
Humidity< 60%, airtight containers preferred
Shelf Life12–24 months
SafetyNon-toxic, avoid inhalation dust