YenzoWhat is E421 (mannitol)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists mannitol (INS 421) with the functions anticaking agent, bulking agent, humectant, stabilizer, sweetener and thickener.
E421Mannitol
E421 is mannitol. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists it as an anticaking agent, bulking agent, humectant, stabilizer, sweetener and thickener.
- Code
- E421 · INS 421
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E421 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, sweetener (421), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
sweetener (421)sweetener 421E421INS 421On Vietnamese labels: Manitol
Questions about mannitol
Is mannitol harmful?
In 1986 JECFA recorded the ADI of mannitol as "not specified", meaning no numerical ADI is needed. This is a JECFA evaluation, not an EFSA one.
Is INS 421 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Mannitol (INS 421) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have manitol?
In the EU, Annex III (Part 5, Section B) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 allows E421 (mannitol) as a carrier for vitamin B12 in nutrient preparations for foods for infants and young children, at up to 1 000 times the amount of vitamin B12 and 3 mg/kg total carry-over. This part of the Regulation has no separate provision for pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other sweeteners
E420Sorbitolvery lowE950Acesulfame KlowE951AspartamelowE952CyclamatesmoderateE953Isomaltvery lowE954Saccharinlow
See all sweeteners →Updated 23 October 2026
Sources (4)
- 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:e421)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- JECFA evaluation summary: D-Mannitol (INS 421) (IPCS INCHEM, WHO/FAO)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (consolidated text of 18.08.2026): Annex III, Part 5, Section B (food additives in nutrients for foods for infants and young children)