KONJAC FLOUR
Prepared at the 46th JECFA (1996), published in FNP 52 Add 4 (1996)
                           superseding specifications prepared at the 39th JECFA (1993), published
                           in FNP 52 Add 3 (1993). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the
                           57th JECFA (2001). An ADI 'not specified' was established at the 46th
                           JECFA (1996)
SYNONYMS                   Konjac mannan, Konjac, konnyaku; INS No. 425
DEFINITION                 The hydrocolloidal polysaccharide obtained from the tubers of various
                           species of Amorphophallus; principal component is a high molecular
                           weight, slightly branched, non-ionic glucomannan consisting of mannose
                           and glucose, connected by ß-1,4 linkages, at a respective molar ratio of
                           approximately 1.6-4:1; acetyl groups along the glucomannan back-bone
                           contribute to solubility properties and are located, on average, every 9 to
                           19 sugar units
C.A.S. number              37220-17-0
Formula weight             The main component, glucomannan, has an average molecular weight of
                           200,000 to 2,000,000
Assay                      Not less than 75% carbohydrate
DESCRIPTION                White or cream to light tan powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Gelling agent, thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer
CHARACTERISTICS
IDENTIFICATION
Solubility (Vol. 4)        Dispersible in hot or cold water forming a highly viscous solution with a pH
                           between 4.0 and 7.0
                           Solubility is increased by heat and mechanical agitation. Addition of mild
                           alkali to the solution results in the formation of a heat-stable gel that resists
                           melting, even under extended heating conditions
Gel formation              Add 5 ml of a 4% sodium borate solution to a 1% solution of the sample in
                           a test tube, and shake vigorously. A gel forms.
Formation of heat-stable   Prepare a 2% solution of the sample by heating it in a boiling water bath for
gel                        30 min, with continuous agitation and then cooling the solution to room
                           temperature. For each g of the sample used to prepare the 2% solution,
                           add 1 ml of 10% potassium carbonate solution to the fully hydrated sample
                           at ambient temperature. Heat the mixture in a water bath to 85º, and
                           maintain for 2 h without agitation. Under these conditions a thermally stable
                          gel is formed. Related hydrocolloids such as guar gum and locust bean
                          gum do not form thermally stable gels and are negative by this test.
PURITY
Loss on drying (Vol. 4)   Not more than 15% (105º, 5 h)
Total ash (Vol. 4)        Not more than 5% (800º, 3-4 h)
Protein                   Not more than 8%
                          Proceed as directed under Nitrogen Determination (Kjeldahl method). The
                          percentage of nitrogen in the sample multiplied by 5.7 gives the percent of
                          protein in the sample
Lead (Vol. 4)             Not more than 2 mfg/kg
                          Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the
                          specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample
                          preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in
                          Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”
METHOD OF                 The remainder, after subtracting from 100% the sum of the percentages of
ASSAY                     total ash, loss on drying and protein, represents the percentage of
                          carbohydrate (glucomannans) in the sample.