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, and in cosmetics.

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, and have a laxative effect in individuals intolerant to them.

Examples of food/drink products that may include E420 (i) and E420 (ii):
Dried fruits, bakery products, low-calorie foods and lollies.

Note⁽¹⁾ that the list of Food Additives (E Numbers) included in this section and listed on the left is subject to change as more chemicals are added by the EU Regulatory Authorities. IvyRose cannot guarantee that this list complete.
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.
This entry was added in good faith on 23 July 2008. For current details, check with relevant authorities.