YenzoWhat is E440 (pectin)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists pectins (INS 440) with the functions emulsifier, gelling agent, glazing agent, stabilizer and thickener.
E440Pectins
E440 is pectin. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists pectins as an emulsifier, gelling agent, glazing agent, stabilizer and thickener.
Did you know? Pectin is obtained by extraction in an aqueous medium from suitable edible plant material, usually citrus fruit peels or apple pomace.
- Code
- E440 · INS 440
- Group
- Gelling agent, Thickener, Stabilizer, Emulsifier
- ADI
- ADI “not specified” (EFSA 2017) This means no numerical ADI is needed: by JECFA’s definition of the term, at the levels needed in food the substance does not represent a hazard to health. Vietnam’s Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT calls this an ADI “không xác định” (“not specified”, Article 3(6)).
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2017
How E440 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, gelling agent (440), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
gelling agent (440)gelling agent 440E440INS 440pectinpectins
Pectins in food
Flavoured fermented milk products
Processed fruit and vegetables
Flavoured drinksDesserts
Meat productsQuestions about pectins
Is pectin harmful?
In its 2017 re-evaluation of pectin (E440i) and amidated pectin (E440ii), EFSA concluded that there is no safety concern for their use as food additives for the general population and no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI).
Is INS 440 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Pectins (INS 440) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E440?
In 2021 EFSA assessed pectin (E 440i) and amidated pectin (E 440ii) in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age. The margin of safety was below 1 in some scenarios; at the maximum permitted levels an internal methanol dose would be produced that could lead to adverse health effects in infants below 16 weeks of age. EFSA recommended lowering the maximum permitted level of pectin in categories 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2 (foods for special medical purposes) to reduce exposure to both the additive and methanol. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other gelling agents
E417Tara gumlowE418Gellan gumlowE425KonjaclowE427Cassia gumlowE428Gelatinevery lowE466Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)very low
See all gelling agents →Updated 20 October 2026
Sources (3)
- EFSA Journal: Re-evaluation of pectin (E 440i) and amidated pectin (E 440ii) as food additives (2017).
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2021). Opinion on the re-evaluation of pectin (E 440i) and amidated pectin (E 440ii) as food additives in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of their re-evaluation as food additives for uses in foods for all population groups