stabiliser INS 440

Pectins E440

natural — Primarily plant-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Pectin

CAS: 9000-69-5

Data verified: 2026-04-03

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Pectins?

Pectins are naturally occurring polysaccharides in the cell walls of fruits, particularly citrus peel and apple pomace — the primary commercial sources. They form gels in acidic conditions with high sugar concentrations (high-methoxyl pectin) or with calcium ions (low-methoxyl pectin), making them essential in jam, jelly, and marmalade production. Pectin is also a soluble dietary fiber with recognized health benefits for cholesterol management and glycemic control. JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI specified. EFSA confirmed safety in 2017. Globally approved and classified as dietary fiber.

? Did You Know?

Pectins occurs naturally in apples and citrus peels. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Pectins is also used in cosmetics, medicine, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Pectins has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted in most food categories

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

A structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. Particularly abundant in fruit peels and cores.

applescitrus peelsberriescarrotstomatoes

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Extracted from citrus peels or apple pomace using hot dilute acid, followed by filtration, precipitation with alcohol, drying, and standardization.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in skincare products as a gelling agent and film former.

Medical

Used in pharmaceutical formulations as a suspending agent and in cholesterol-lowering supplements.

Household

Sold as home jam-making pectin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pectins (E440)?

Pectins (E440) is a stabiliser used in food products. It is natural and plant-derived. A structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. Particularly abundant in fruit peels and cores.

Where is Pectins found naturally?

Pectins is naturally found in apples, citrus peels, berries, carrots, tomatoes. A structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. Particularly abundant in fruit peels and cores.

What foods contain Pectins?

Pectins is used in various food categories including Fruit and vegetable preparations, Other confectionery. It is used as a stabiliser in these products.

Is Pectins the same as Fruit pectin?

Yes, Pectins is also known as Fruit pectin, Apple pectin, Citrus pectin. These are different names for the same substance.