On 23 July 2026, the Council of the European Union published a Commission Regulation authorising the use of curdlan (E 424) as a food additive in a broad range of food categories, including noodles, processed meat, fish pastes, cakes, sauces, soups, and snacks. The regulation amends Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, following a positive safety evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The regulation assigns the E-number E 424 to curdlan and includes it in the Union list of approved food additives. It also updates the specifications for food additives to include curdlan's purity and identity criteria. The regulation is directly applicable in all Member States and enters into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Curdlan is a gelling agent produced through fermentation, offering improved water-holding capacity and thermal stability. Its authorisation provides food manufacturers with a new texturising option that can replace animal-derived or chemically modified additives. EFSA's margin of exposure assessment confirmed no safety concern at the proposed use levels, ensuring consumer protection.
The regulation impacts several stakeholders. Food manufacturers gain access to a novel additive that can enhance product texture and stability, potentially reducing reliance on traditional gelling agents. However, they must adapt to new specifications and ensure compliance with updated labelling requirements, which may involve reformulation costs. Consumers benefit from a safe, plant-based additive that may improve food quality and shelf life. EU regulatory bodies, including EFSA and the Commission, have completed the approval process, reinforcing the EU's science-based food safety framework. National authorities in Member States are responsible for enforcing the new rules, which may require updates to inspection protocols.
This is the first EU-wide authorisation of curdlan as a food additive, marking a new option for the food industry. No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days.