Also, the present invention relates to a method for producing tagatose wherein the method comprises a step of obtaining tagatose by isomerisation of the galactose produced by means of the abovementioned method.

The strain, the thermostable arabinose isomerase produced by the strain and the tagatose production method are useful for the mass production of tagatose.

In one embodiment, the gum comprises about 5 % to about 95 % gum base, about 0.1 % to about 10 % flavoring agent and D-tagatose, the D-tagatose being part or all of the bulk sweetener in the gum.

An economically feasible process for manufacturing tagatose is provided.

D-tagatose or tagatose is a rare sugar found in small quantities in some dairy products and fruits.

The tagatose solution preferably contains no organic solvents.

D-tagatose or tagatose is a rare sugar found in small quantities in some dairy products and fruits.

The production system can be directed to processes for producing a D-galactose preparation, a D-galactose preparation and an isoflavones preparation, a tagatose preparation, and a tagatose preparation and an isoflavones preparation.

D-tagatose is useful as a food additive, as a sweetener, as a texturizer, as a stabilizer, or as a humectant.

There is disclosed a method for disrupting biofilm and for inhibiting biofilm formation in an aqueous environment that comprises contacting said environment with an effective amount of D-tagatose.

The texturizing compositions generally include a mixture of tagatose and at least one long chain carbohydrate.

D-tagatose- 6-phosphate and sedoheptulose-7-phosphate also are acceptors.

The enzyme is suitable for the production of D-tagatose, a useful low-calories sweetener.

This invention relates to a recombinant Escherichia coli and a process for producing D-tagatose.

D-tagatose is even in small amounts a powerful synergiser for potent sweeteners.