E420

E420(i) and E420(ii) are food additives approved by the EU (European Union) and used as natural sweeteners in food and drink products.

The common names for E420(i) and E420(ii) are sorbitol, and sorbitol syrup, respectively.

These sweeteners are natural carbohydrate alcohols obtained from berries. They can also be produced synthetically from glucose. These low calorie sweeteners are also used as bulking agents and stabilisers.

E420 is absorbed by the body. Some of it is metabolised as fructose, while the rest undergoes fermentation in the large intestine.

E420 may cause diarrhoea in infants younger than one year. These sweeteners may also cause flatulence, due to gases released during fermentation,

Examples of food/drink products that may include E420 (i) and E420 (ii):

• dried fruits
• bakery products
• low-calorie foods
• lollies

Note⁽¹⁾ The list of Food Additives (E Numbers) included in this section is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by regulatory authorities. This list may not be complete or and some details might not be up to date.

Note⁽²⁾ These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the E.

Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change.

Regulatory approvals and advice can change.

This was added in July 2008. For current details please check with the relevant authorities.