YenzoWhat is E1203 (polyvinyl alcohol)?
E1203 is polyvinyl alcohol. In Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT the functions listed for it are glazing agent, thickener.
E1203Polyvinyl alcohol
E1203 is polyvinyl alcohol (INS 1203). In Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT it is listed in Appendix 1 with the functions: glazing agent, thickener.
- Code
- E1203 · INS 1203
- Group
- Glazing agent, Thickener
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E1203 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, glazing agent (1203), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
glazing agent (1203)glazing agent 1203E1203INS 1203On Vietnamese labels: Polyvinyl alcohol
Polyvinyl alcohol in food
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Questions about polyvinyl alcohol
Is polyvinyl alcohol harmful?
JECFA (the FAO/WHO expert committee) evaluated polyvinyl alcohol (INS 1203) in 2003 and set an ADI of 0-50 mg/kg body weight a day. In 2020 JECFA only reviewed the specifications, and the ADI is still listed as 0-50 mg/kg. This is a JECFA evaluation, not an EFSA conclusion.
Is E1203 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Polyvinyl alcohol (INS 1203) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Other glazing agents
E1200Polydextrosevery lowE1201PolyvinylpyrrolidonelowE1204Pullulanvery lowE1205Basic methacrylate copolymerlowE1206Neutral methacrylate copolymerlowE1207Anionic methacrylate copolymerlow
See all glazing agents →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e1203)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 1203
- JECFA (FAO/WHO) evaluation database: Polyvinyl alcohol, INS 1203