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Gruene Biotechnologie Independent explanations: genetic engineering, plants and food Check a label

What is E 953?

E 953 is the E number of Isomalt. Sugar alcohol made from beet sugar. It is used mainly in sugar-free sweets, chewing gum and chocolate.

What is E 953 used for?

E 953 belongs to the group "Sweeteners" and is used as sweetener, bulking agent.

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

Which foods may contain E 953?

According to the European Commission's database, E 953 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 953 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 953 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 953 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 953" or "Sweetener: Isomalt".

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

Sources