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

What is E 968?

Erythritol as a crystalline powder
Erythritol as a crystalline powder Photo: Thomas Kniess, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

E 968 is the E number of Erythritol. Sugar alcohol produced by fermenting sugars with microorganisms. It is used in sugar-free drinks, sweets and as a sugar substitute.

Where is E 968 most commonly used?

Erythritol is mainly sold as a sugar substitute and used in sugar-free sweets and drinks. It is often mixed with steviol glycosides.

What is E 968 used for?

E 968 belongs to the group "Sweeteners" and is used as sweetener, flavour enhancer.

  • Sweetener: Sweeteners impart a sweet taste. They are used in foods or as table-top sweeteners.
  • Flavour enhancer: Flavour enhancers enhance the existing taste or odour of a food.

Which foods may contain E 968?

According to the European Commission's database, E 968 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 968 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 968 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

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

How does E 968 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 968" or "Sweetener: Erythritol".

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

Sources