The first involves the manufacture of the gum base. The gum base, however, is tasteless and too brittle for use as is. The mixture is then extruded into the final gum product. Production of gum balls also involves adding a candy shell to the gum. The need for reliable Hashgacha for gum stems from many ingredient concerns.
Plasticizers can be pure lard or tallow and emulsifiers are also often made from animal fats.
Flavors and glycerin can also be completely non-Kosher. Even if all of the ingredients in a Kosher gum were acceptable, the equipment on which the product is made requires a Kashering from non-Kosher productions. Although the gum itself is not swallowed, these fats and flavors migrate from the gum into the mouth. Much to the delight of many consumers, Kosher gum has been around form some time. Great attention is paid to ensure that all fats, emulsifiers and flavors used for Kosher gum meet the most stringent standards of Kashrus.