Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced by microbial fermentation. It acts as a thickening, stabilising and suspending agent in food, cosmetic and industrial formulations. Its physical appearance is a white to pale-yellow powder. The catalogue lists several grades: food, FCC, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial grades. Packaging formats for the material include 25 kg bags, 1000 kg big bags and bulk. Food use as E 415 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.