Erythritol

New specification prepared at the 53rd JECFA (1999) and published in FNP 52 Add 7. ADI "not specified", established at the 53rd JECFA in 1999.
SYNONYMS Meso-erythritol; tetrahydroxybutane; erythrite.
DEFINITION Obtained by fermentation of starch enzyme hydrolysate (from starches such as wheat and corn) by safe and suitable food grade osmophilic yeasts such as Moniliella pollinis or Trichosporonoides megachilensis. The heatsterilized broth is filtered, purified by ion exchange resin, activated charcoal and ultrafiltration, crystallised washed and dried.
Chemical names 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol
C.A.S. number 149-32-6
Chemical formula C4H10O4
Formula weight 122.12
Assay Not less than 99% after drying
DESCRIPTION White, odourless, non-hygroscopic, heat-stable crystals. It has a sweetness
approximately 60-80% that of sucrose.
FUNCTIONAL USESFlavour enhancer, humectant, carrier, sweetener.