E440 · fruit pectin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Japan MHLW
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E440?
Fruit pectin (E440) is a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fruits like apples and citrus peel. It's widely used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in jams, jellies, yogurts, and other food products. It is considered one of the safest food additives and is even a source of dietary fiber.
Also appears on labels as: Fruit pectin, Pectin, E440, E 440, E-440, E440(i), E 440(i), E-440(i), Pectin (from fruit), Citrus pectin, Apple pectin, Plant pectin.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels
- Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas or bloating due to its fiber content
- Very high intakes may modestly slow absorption of some oral medications, though this is rarely significant at food-use levels
Frequently asked questions
Is E440 safe?
Our overall verdict for E440 (fruit pectin) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; UK FSA: safe; Japan MHLW: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E440 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for fruit pectin — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E440 and why is it used?
Fruit pectin (E440) is a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fruits like apples and citrus peel. It's widely used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in jams, jellies, yogurts, and other food products. It is considered one of the safest food additives and is even a source of dietary fiber.
Does E440 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for fruit pectin.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.