E 420 Sorbitols

What is E 420?

E 420 is the E number of Sorbitols. Sugar alcohol usually made from maize or wheat starch. It sweetens reduced-sugar products and keeps foods moist, for example chewing gum and confectionery.

What is E 420 used for?

E 420 belongs to the group "Sweeteners" and is used as sweetener, humectant, bulking agent.

• Sweetener: Sweeteners impart a sweet taste. They are used in foods or as table-top sweeteners.
• Humectant: Humectants prevent foods from drying out.
• Bulking agent: Bulking agents contribute to the volume of a food without significantly adding to its energy value.

Which foods may contain E 420?

According to the European Commission's database, E 420 may be used in 76 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 420 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 420 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 420 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Sweetener: E 420" or "Sweetener: Sorbitols".

• Mandatory statement above 10 % added polyols: "Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." (Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011).