Pullulan

Pullulan is mainly used in food supplements (as a coating agent for tablets and capsules), in confectionery (chewing gum, hard and soft candies) and in fine bakery products. It is also used as an edible film former for wrapping foods, such as in some snack products.

In the Spanish market, it is found in vitamin supplements, sugar-free chewing gum and some candies. According to Regulation EC 1333/2008, it is authorized in the EU in quantum satis amounts (no specific maximum limit) for most uses, except in certain categories where limits are set (e.g., 20 g/kg in solid food supplements). In the United States, the FDA recognizes it as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and in Japan it has been widely used as an additive for decades.

Pullulan is considered safe by EFSA and JECFA. No significant adverse effects in humans have been documented at authorized usage levels. Acute and chronic toxicity studies in animals showed no relevant effects. As a non-digestible polysaccharide, it acts as soluble fiber and may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort (flatulence, bloating) if consumed in large amounts, but this is not expected at normal food uses.

No interactions with medications or particularly sensitive populations are known. EFSA concluded that there is no need to establish a numerical ADI, as estimated exposure is well below levels that could cause any effect.

In summary, pullulan is a safe and well-tolerated additive.

• Maltotriose polymer
• α-1,6-glucan
• Pullulan