E440; Pectins

(in 431 products)

1. Binder / Stabilizer - Retains the physical characteristics of food/cosmetics and ensure the mixture remains in an even state.

2. Emulsifier - Allows water and oils to remain mixed together to form an emulsion.

3. Gelling Agent / Thickener - Increases the viscosity by thickening the liquid to give it more texture

Pectin is found in ripe fruit such as apples and plums but mainly prepared from citrus peel, traditionally lemons, limes and grapefruit. It is produced commercially as a white to light brown powder and mainly used as a gelling agent, but can also act as thickener, water binder and stabilizer. The key characteristics being that it forms jelly and jam-type gels in presence of sugar and acid which is then used to gel various foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Its uses include confectionery, high-sugar jellies, jams, preserves, marmalades and acid milk drinks. It has E number 440.

In cosmetic products, pectin acts as stabilizer. Pectin is also used in wound healing preparations and specialty medical adhesives, such as colostomy devices.

It is approved to use as food additive in EU and generally recognized as safe food substance in US.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/445929

1. US FDA Food Additives Status List [2018]

2. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

3. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) (21 CFR 182) [2017]

- §184.1588

4. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Food Substances (21 CFR 184) [2017]

- §184.1588