E420 — Sorbitol
E420 (Sorbitol), a sweetener, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. A sugar alcohol used in sugar-free chewing gum, candy, and diabetic foods. Eating too much causes diarrhea and bloating in most people.
What is Sorbitol?
A sugar alcohol about 60% as sweet as table sugar. Used in sugar-free chewing gum, mints, candies, diabetic-friendly products, and as a humectant in baked goods.
What does it do to the body?
Your gut absorbs only part of it; the rest pulls water into the intestines and gets fermented by gut bacteria. More than about 10 g in one sitting causes bloating, gas, and diarrhea in most people. People with IBS may react to much smaller amounts.
What regulators say
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive. EU labels above a threshold must carry the "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects" warning.
Risk rating: Watch
Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.