Allervibe
E440
Pectins
A family of plant polysaccharides extracted mainly from citrus peel and apple pomace, used as a gelling agent.
i Additive Details
| Is E440 Pectins safe?
Regarded as safe and not a declarable allergen. It is fermented in the large intestine, so large amounts can cause gas and a mild laxative effect. Allergy is very rare, but occupational asthma from inhaling pectin dust has been described in food and pharmaceutical workers, and isolated case reports describe reactions in people already allergic to cashew and pistachio.
| Uses
Sets jams, jellies, marmalades and fruit fillings, and stabilizes yoghurt drinks and other acidified milk beverages. High-methoxyl pectin (E440i) needs sugar and acid to set, which is why traditional jam recipes call for both; low-methoxyl and amidated pectin (E440ii) sets with calcium instead and is used in reduced-sugar products.
| Interactions
How it sets depends on the type: high-methoxyl pectin needs a low pH and a high sugar concentration, while low-methoxyl and amidated pectin need calcium ions. It is often combined with other hydrocolloids to adjust texture. Taken at fibre-supplement levels it binds bile acids and slows glucose absorption.
| Origin
Extracted with hot acidified water from citrus peel (lemon, lime, orange) and apple pomace, both by-products of juice production. Sugar-beet pulp and sunflower heads are minor sources. Amidated pectin (E440ii) is made by treating the extracted pectin with ammonia.
| Daily Intake
No numerical ADI has been set. JECFA gives pectins an 'ADI not specified', and EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation concluded that pectins are of no safety concern at the reported levels of use.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E414 Acacia gum (Gum arabic) A soluble fibre made from the hardened sap of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees, used as a thickener, emulsifier and glazing agent.
- E410 Locust bean gum A galactomannan gum milled from the seeds of the carob tree, used to thicken and stabilize.
- E412 Guar gum A galactomannan gum milled from guar beans, a legume, used to thicken and stabilize.
- E466 Carboxymethyl cellulose A chemically modified, water-soluble cellulose used as a thickener, stabilizer and bulking agent, also labelled cellulose gum.
- E1412 Distarch phosphate A modified starch whose chains are cross-linked with phosphate groups so that it withstands heat, acid and stirring.
- E1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate A modified starch that is both cross-linked with phosphate and etherified with hydroxypropyl groups, which gives it freeze-thaw stability.
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