Sorbitol
Also known as: E420, glucitol
FDA requires labels on foods that may cause consumption of >50 g/day to bear 'Excess consumption may have a laxative effect' (21 CFR 184.1835). EU labeling required when polyols >10% with similar warning.
What it is
Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) found naturally in fruits and produced industrially by hydrogenation of glucose.
Sweetener, humectant, bulking agent, sugar substitute.
Why it's flagged
- Mandatory laxative-effect warning required by FDA at high-consumption thresholds
- Osmotic diarrhea, abdominal cramping
What regulators actually say
"The label of a food whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in a daily ingestion of 50 grams of sorbitol shall bear the statement: 'Excess consumption may have a laxative effect'"
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS 21 CFR 184.1835; mandatory laxative warning at >50 g/day
European Union — EFSA
Authorised; ADI 'not specified'; >10% polyol warning required
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app