Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It was first discovered in the 1950s and commercialized in 1964. Xanthomonas campestris is commonly found on plants and produces xanthan gum as part of its cell wall. The gum is manufactured through the aerobic fermentation of a nutrient-rich medium inoculated with the bacterium. Xanthan gum has numerous applications as a thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing agent in foods, baked goods, dressings, and other products due to its ability to maintain viscosity over a wide range of pH and temperatures.