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Context :

• Gum arabic is a key ingredient in products such as Coca-Cola and M&Ms.
• Recently, It is increasingly being smuggled out of rebel held areas in Sudan.
• This makes it difficult for Western companies to maintain a steady supply.
• And This is also disrupting global trade & production.

About Gum Arabic:

• Source: it comes from a dried water soluble exudate from 2 species of acacia:
  • Acacia senegal
  • Acacia seyal
• Geographical Distribution:
  • Native Regions: it is primarily found in North Africa.
  • Growing Areas: it is found mainly in the sub Saharan or Sahel zone of Africa. But also found in Australia, India, & South America.
  • In India: it is also found in dry regions of southeast Punjab, northern Aravalli hills, & some parts of Rajasthan & Gujarat.
• Major Producers:
  • Cameroon
  • Chad
  • Mali
  • Nigeria
  • Sudan (it holds 70% market share)
• Historical Use: Gum Arabic has been used for thousands of years. its earliest use dating back to ancient Egypt as an embalming agent.

Applications of Gum Arabic:

• Food Industry: it is used in products like Coca-Cola M&M's & other processed foods.
• Non food Uses: it is also applied in ceramics, painting, photography, & printmaking.

Properties of Gum Arabic:

• Chemical Nature: it has a neutral or slightly acidic salt of a complex polysaccharide containing:
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Non toxic, odourless, & it has a bland taste.
  • Colour: it is slightly yellowish.
  • It does not affect the odour, colour, or taste of the products, it is used in.
  • Solubility: Insoluble in oils & most organic solvents but it completely dissolves in hot or cold water. forming a clear, mucilaginous solution.
• Hydrolysis Products: When hydrolyzed, it yields:
  • L-arabinose
  • L-rhamnose
  • D-galactose
  • D-glucuronic acid.

Where are rebel held areas in Sudan ?

There is ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

• Darfur: A major area of RSF control, with other rebel group presence.
• Khartoum: Contested between the SAF and RSF.

Source: IE