Sorbitol Syrup | whatsinit

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Sorbitol syrup (E420ii) is an aqueous solution of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol naturally occurring in fruits and produced commercially by hydrogenation of glucose. It is used in food as a sweetener, humectant, and bulking agent, particularly in sugar-free confectionery, baked goods, and diabetic-friendly products.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

JECFA has assigned sorbitol syrup an ADI of 'not specified,' reflecting negligible toxicological concern at typical food use levels. Intakes above approximately 50 g/day can cause osmotic laxative effects and gastrointestinal discomfort in most adults. EFSA is currently re-evaluating the safety of sorbitol (E420) as part of its ongoing polyols re-evaluation programme; the EU already restricts its use in beverages because young consumers may more easily exceed the laxative threshold.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia)	Approved	Sorbitol syrup (INS 420(ii)) is permitted as a food additive under the FSANZ Food Standards Code; ADI 'not specified' per JECFA adopted.source
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (Annex II). Use in beverages is not permitted because young consumers could exceed the laxative threshold. EFSA re-evaluation of polyols including E420(ii) is ongoing; a call for genotoxicity data (in vitro micronucleus test) was launched and closed in 2023.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Sorbitol and sorbitol syrup (INS 420) are permitted food additives under FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations; specific permitted categories and use levels apply.source
FSA / COT (United Kingdom)	Approved	E420(ii) remains on the UK approved additives list post-Brexit, retained from EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 via the UK Food Additives, Flavourings, Enzymes and Extraction Solvents Regulations 2013.source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Ibs — Sorbitol is a FODMAP (fermentable polyol) that is poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can trigger bloating, cramping, and diarrhea in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.

Ibd — The osmotic and fermentative activity of sorbitol syrup in the colon may aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease.

Children — The EU restricts sorbitol syrup from beverages specifically because young consumers, due to their lower body weight, are more likely than adults to exceed the laxative dose threshold.

Infants — Infants have immature gastrointestinal tracts and very low body weight, making them susceptible to osmotic laxation and diarrhea even from small absolute amounts of sorbitol.

Diabetes — Although sorbitol has a lower glycaemic response than sucrose and does not cause a sudden blood glucose spike per FDA, it is still calorigenic and partially metabolised; individuals with diabetes should monitor cumulative polyol intake.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1WHO. GSFA Online Food Additive Details for Sorbitol Syrup (INS 420(ii)). fao.org
2other. Codex Alimentarius – Comment Compilation: Sorbitol Syrup in Beverages (CX-711-52). fao.org
3FDA. Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food – Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol). fda.gov
4EFSA. State of Play: Lessons Learnt from Re-evaluation of Sweeteners, 2024. efsa.europa.eu
5EFSA. Call for data on genotoxicity data on sorbitol (E 420 i) – EFSA, 2023. efsa.europa.eu

Independently researched5 citations