About
Liquid glucose (glucose syrup) is a purified, concentrated aqueous solution of nutritive saccharides—primarily glucose, maltose, and higher oligosaccharides—obtained by the controlled acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of starch (typically corn, wheat, or tapioca). It is used widely in food manufacturing as a sweetener, humectant, bodying agent, and crystallisation inhibitor in confectionery, bakery products, beverages, and preserves.
Safety summary
Liquid glucose is generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels and no formal ADI has been established, as it is treated as a conventional food ingredient rather than a food additive. High or chronic intake of free sugars including glucose syrup is, however, linked by EFSA (2022) and WHO (2015) to dental caries, unhealthy weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance, adverse blood-lipid profiles, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Persons with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome are particularly vulnerable due to the ingredient's high glycaemic index.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Glucose syrup is permitted as a food ingredient under the FSANZ Food Standards Code; classified as a sugar ingredient, not a food additive; no INS or E number appliedsource |
| Health Canada (Canada) | Approved | Glucose and glucose syrup are permitted food ingredients in Canada; regulated as sweeteners under the Food and Drug Regulations (Division 18, Table 1); no specific ADI establishedsource |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Regulated as a food ingredient (not a food additive) under Council Directive 2001/111/EC relating to certain sugars intended for human consumption; no E number assigned; EFSA 2022 concluded that a numerical UL for total or added sugars (including glucose syrups) could not be established but noted metabolic risk associations at high intakessource |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Liquid glucose (glucose syrup) is permitted as a food ingredient under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011; used in confectionery, bakery, and beverage categories without a prescribed maximum limitsource |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. 21 CFR §184.1865 – Corn Syrup (Glucose Syrup): GRAS Affirmation. ecfr.gov
- 2EFSA. Tolerable upper intake level for dietary sugars – Scientific Opinion of the EFSA NDA Panel, 2022. efsa.europa.eu
- 3WHO. WHO Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children, 2015. who.int
- 4EFSA. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for carbohydrates and dietary fibre – EFSA NDA Panel, 2010. efsa.europa.eu
- 5other. Council Directive 2001/111/EC relating to certain sugars intended for human consumption, 2001. eur-lex.europa.eu