Safety assessment of a novel ingredient for removable chewing gum

Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 Mar;48(3):831-8. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.12.017. Epub 2009 Dec 24.

Abstract

Rev7 is an indigestible gum polymer used for the manufacturing of chewing gum. It allows for the formulation of chewing gum with low adhesion; thus can be readily removed from surfaces such as sidewalks, clothing, carpets and furniture. In a toxicological safety assessment, Rev7 was found to be non-mutagenic in the AMES assay. The highest concentration tested in a mouse lymphoma thymidine kinase locus gene mutation assay induced a slight but biologically relevant increase in mutations under non-metabolic activation conditions after 24h. Because of this finding, a mouse micronucleus assay was performed, and the test article was found to be negative for inducing chromosomal damage. A 28-day repeated oral toxicity study resulted in a NOAEL of 80,000 ppm; the highest concentration tested. Rev7 was found to be free from contaminants such as heavy metals, monomers, and solvents. Lastly, Rev7 did not demonstrate skin-sensitizing properties in the murine local lymph node assay.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene / analysis
  • Chewing Gum / toxicity*
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Local Lymph Node Assay
  • Male
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis
  • Mice
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Mutagenicity Tests
  • Polymers / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Safety
  • Salmonella typhimurium / drug effects
  • Salmonella typhimurium / genetics
  • Solvents / analysis
  • Succinates / therapeutic use*
  • Thymidine Kinase / drug effects
  • Thymidine Kinase / genetics

Substances

  • Chewing Gum
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Polymers
  • Solvents
  • Succinates
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene
  • Thymidine Kinase