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E445EmulsifierModerate concern

Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosin

In plain words

The short version

Glycerol ester of wood rosin (ester gum) — a density adjuster for citrus oils in beverages such as cloudy soft drinks.

Why we flag it amber

It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.

Safety

Safety profile

In 2023 EFSA set an ADI of 10 mg/kg body weight per day for glycerol esters of wood rosin made from Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii, based on a new reproductive and developmental toxicity study. This replaced the temporary 12.5 mg/kg ADI it had kept in 2018, and EFSA found no safety concern at the maximum permitted or reported use levels. JECFA's ADI is 0–25 mg/kg body weight (re-established in 2013). Considered safe at use levels. Long history of beverage use without documented adverse effects.

The detail

Sources

  1. EFSA FAF Panel — Follow-up of the re-evaluation of glycerol esters of wood rosins (E 445) as a food additive (EFSA Journal 2023;21(7):8110) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2023. ADI of 10 mg/kg bw/day for E 445 from P. palustris and P. elliottii; no safety concern at permitted or reported use levels
  2. EFSA — Re-evaluation of glycerol esters of wood rosin (E 445) as a food additive (EFSA Journal 2018;16(7):5370) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2018. Earlier position (2018): the SCF ADI of 12.5 mg/kg bw/day kept as temporary pending reproductive and developmental data
  3. WHO JECFA database — Glycerol ester of wood rosin (INS 445(iii)), evaluations 1996–2018 — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 2013. JECFA ADI is 0–25 mg/kg bw (temporary 0–12.5 withdrawn in 2013)
  4. eCFR — 21 CFR 172.735 Glycerol ester of rosin — U.S. Government Publishing Office / FDA (eCFR), 2007. US use to adjust citrus-oil density in beverages, max 100 ppm
  5. EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated text of 18.08.2026 (Annex II) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2026. EU use in cloudy drinks at up to 100 mg/l (plus citrus surface treatment and a few other uses)

Checked against these sources on .

Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.