E440 — Pectin
E440 (Pectin), a thickener, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. A natural gelling fiber from apple and citrus peel. The reason jam sets. Used in jellies, yogurts, fruit fillings, and confectionery.
What is Pectin?
A natural soluble fiber extracted from apple cores and citrus peel. The reason jam sets when cooked with sugar. Used in jellies, gummies, fruit fillings, yogurts, and low-sugar jams.
What does it do to the body?
Acts as soluble fiber in your gut, with mild cholesterol-lowering and blood-sugar-buffering effects in long-term studies. Eating large amounts can cause gas. No realistic safety concern.
What regulators say
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical acceptable daily intake.
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.