Back to catalogSafety
E1201ThickenerLow concern
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
In plain words
The short version
PVP — a polymeric stabilizer and clarifying agent used in wine, beer, and supplements.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–50 mg/kg body weight (JECFA). Considered safe. Larger molecular weights are not absorbed; very small fragments may cross the gut wall but are excreted intact.
The detail
Polymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer, manufactured by free-radical polymerization. Available in a range of molecular weights for different applications.
The standard fining agent for clarifying wine and beer — binds tannins and polyphenols then precipitates them out. The insoluble cross-linked form (PVPP, E1202) is used for irreversible removal. In supplements and pharma, PVP is a tablet binder and capsule shell modifier.
White to off-white powder. Very soluble in water and most polar solvents. Forms clear viscous solutions. Stable in storage.
In the EU it is authorised for tablet-form products (table-top sweetener tablets, and food supplements and foods for special medical purposes in tablet or coated-tablet form) and as a carrier for sweeteners. In the US it is permitted as a clarifying agent in beer, wine and vinegar (with residue limits) and as a tableting aid or stabiliser in non-nutritive sweeteners, flavour concentrates and vitamin and mineral concentrates (21 CFR 173.55).
Sources
- JECFA database: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (INS 1201), ADI 0–50 mg/kg bw (1986) — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1986. ADI of 0–50 mg/kg bw (JECFA)
- 21 CFR 173.55 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (secondary direct food additive) — US FDA / Office of the Federal Register (eCFR). US uses: clarifying agent in beer, wine, vinegar; tableting aid
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text of 18.08.2026 (Annex II, food category 17.1 food supplements) — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. EU uses limited to tablet-form products
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.