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E 440Thickeners, Stabilisers & Emulsifiers

Pectins

Characteristics

Additive NamePectins
E No.E 440
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A natural thickener and gelling agent extracted from the cell walls of fruits — especially apples and citrus peels. It's what makes jams and jellies set, and it appears in a huge range of products from marmalades to dairy desserts and low-calorie sweeteners. One of the safest additives around. It's essentially a dietary fibre, and some research suggests it may support gut health and help lower cholesterol. No safety concerns raised by EFSA or WHO.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 16 food categories:

1.6.2Unflavoured live fermented cream products and substitute products, both with a fat content of less than 20 %
Quantum satis (no max)
4.2.5.1Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC
Quantum satis (no max)
4.2.5jam jellies and marmalades and similar products
Quantum satis (no max)
4.2.5.3other similar fruit or vegetable spreads
Quantum satis (no max)
11.4.1table-top sweeteners in liquid form
Quantum satis (no max)
11.4.2table-top sweeteners in powder form
Quantum satis (no max)
11.4.3table-top sweeteners in tablets
Quantum satis (no max)
4.2.4.2compote excluding products covered by category 16
Quantum satis (no max)
only fruit compote other than apple
5.1Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC
Quantum satis (no max)
as glazing agent only
13.1.2follow-on formulae as defined by by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013
Maximum Level = 5000 mg/kg
only acidified follow-on formulae
13.1.3Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013
Maximum Level = 10000 mg/kg
only processed cereal based foods and baby foods
Footnote 21: E 410, E 412, E 414, E 415 and E 440 are authorised individually or in combination
13.1.5.1Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants
Maximum Level = 4000 mg/kg
From birth onwards in products used in case of gastro-intestinal disorders
13.1.5.2Foods for special medical purposes, as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants as from four months of age and for young children
Maximum Level = 4000 mg/kg
From birth onwards in products used in case of gastro-intestinal disorders
1.10Milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children*
Maximum Level = 5000 mg/L
14.1.2Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices
Maximum Level = 3000 mg/L
only pineapple and passion fruit juice
14.1.3Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar products
Maximum Level = 3000 mg/L
only pineapple and passion fruit

Source

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E 440 - Pectins | E-Number Information