glycerin
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 甘油(丙三醇) |
| English name | glycerin |
| INS/E number | INS 422 |
| Functional class | Humectant, Thickener |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
glycerin (INS 422) is a Humectant, Thickener food additive. Used to retain moisture and prevent foods from drying out and hardening.Used to increase viscosity and improve mouthfeel and body.
Source
Natural：Mostly naturally occurring polyols (e.g. glycerol, sorbitol).Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins (e.g. pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, starch).
Industrial：Produced by hydrogenation or fermentation processes.Some are modified for performance (e.g. hydroxypropyl starch, CMC).
Why is it used?
- Retain moisture
- Maintain soft texture
- Prevent caking
- Increase viscosity
- Improve body and mouthfeel
- Stabilise suspensions
Common Foods
- Confectionery
- Bakery
- Candied fruit
- Meat products
- Sauces
- Soups
- Jelly
- Yoghurt
- Beverages
Safety
Safe within permitted use; excess sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect.Mostly indigestible polysaccharides, safe within permitted use; some act as dietary fibre.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
glycerin is a Humectant, Thickener, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.