Thickener · CAS 9000-69-5 · EU E440
Pectin
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pectin is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #21 of 417.
- #21 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Pectin is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #21 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (95th percentile).
- 5/5
- Generally Safe
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #21 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Pectin: 2,011 tracked U.S. products (common band, #21 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 2,011 · #21 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E440 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 9000-69-5 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Thickener | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Pectin?
Natural gelling agent from fruit peels.
Health Concerns
- Safe. Dietary fiber.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (2,011 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 2,011
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pectin safe to consume?
Pectin scores 5/5 (Generally Safe). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (2,011 tracked products, #21 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Pectin used for in food?
Pectin shows up as Jams, jellies, fruit snacks, yogurt in the Thickener class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (2,011 products).
Where does Pectin sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #21 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Pectin?
The FDA classifies Pectin as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E440). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Pectin?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Pectin: Safe. Dietary fiber.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.