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Pectin(E440)

Level 1 — Generally benignIn Winter's Dictionary

Pectin is a thickener gum — Plant polysaccharide; stabilizer, jelling, and thickening additive

What it does

Plant polysaccharide; stabilizer, jelling, and thickening additive

Where you'll see it

lemon/orange rind (40%), artificially sweetened beverages, syrups, frozen products, ice cream, ice milk, confections, fruit sherbets, water ices, French dressing, fat emulsions, preserves, jams; antidiarrheal medicine

Benefits

Antidiarrheal medicine; jellying/thickening properties

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Pectin is found in roots, stems, and fruits of plants and forms an essential part of such structures