Dextran
Food-grade dextran has GRAS notices for specific applications and is a long-recognized polysaccharide; clinical IV dextran can rarely cause anaphylactoid reactions but oral food intake is not associated with this risk.
What it is
A branched polysaccharide of glucose produced by lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Leuconostoc mesenteroides) on sucrose substrate.
Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and bulking agent; also a pharmaceutical plasma volume expander.
Why it's flagged
- IV pharmaceutical preparations: rare anaphylaxis (not relevant for food use)
What regulators actually say
"Dextran-producing strains have received no-questions GRAS letters from FDA."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Subject of multiple GRAS notices (e.g., GRN 768) for use in foods.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted in bakery products under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 (E-number not assigned in EU food additive list).
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