Erythritol, meso-Erythritol, E968, 149-32-6

Erythritol, meso-Erythritol, E968, 149-32-6

ERYTHRITOL (E968)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Erythritol Structure (meso-Erythritol):

        CH₂OH
         |
    H — C — OH
         |
    HO — C — H
         |
        CH₂OH

Structure Description:

• Four-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol).

• meso form (optically inactive).

• Naturally occurring in fruits and fermented foods.

• White, crystalline powder with a sweet taste.

• Approximately 70% as sweet as sucrose.

• Provides a distinctive cooling sensation in the mouth (endothermic dissolution).

• Zero calories (0 kcal/g) as recognized by major regulatory bodies.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: ERYTHRITOL vs OTHER SUGAR ALCOHOLS

SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Method (Fermentation):

Process Flow:
Glucose (Corn or Wheat Starch) → Yeast Fermentation (Osmophilic yeast) → Filtration → Purification → Decolorization → Concentration → Crystallization → Centrifugation → Drying → Milling → Final Product

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Raw Material: Glucose syrup derived from corn, wheat, or cassava starch.

2. Fermentation: Glucose is fermented using osmophilic yeast (such as Moniliella pollinis or Trichosporonoides megachiliensis) under aerobic conditions.

3. Filtration: The fermented broth is filtered to remove yeast cells and debris.

4. Purification: The filtrate is purified through ion exchange and activated carbon treatment.

5. Decolorization: The solution is decolorized to obtain a clear, colorless liquid.

6. Concentration: The purified solution is concentrated by evaporation.

7. Crystallization: The concentrated solution is cooled to allow erythritol crystals to form.

8. Centrifugation: Crystals are separated from the mother liquor.

9. Drying: Crystals are dried to achieve the desired moisture content.

10. Milling: Dried product is milled to achieve the desired particle size.

11. Final Product: White crystalline powder or granules (≥ 99.5% purity).

Natural Occurrence: Erythritol occurs naturally in fruits (melons, pears, grapes) and fermented foods (soy sauce, wine, beer). However, the concentration is very low, and commercial production is primarily through fermentation.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Low-Calorie Beverage Sweetener Blend:

Instructions: Dissolve erythritol and stevia in water; Adjust sweetness and flavor; Pasteurize or filter; Package in appropriate containers.

Sugar-Free Chocolate:

Instructions: Conch and temper as standard chocolate; Add erythritol during the conching process; Cool and mold.

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: None (Not classified as hazardous)

Hazard Pictograms: None

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• GRAS Status: FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1915); EFSA approved; Safe for food and pharmaceutical use.

• Zero Calories: 0 kcal/g approved by FDA, EU, and Japan; Ideal for weight management.

• Diabetic Friendly: Glycemic index of 0; Does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels.

• Non-Cariogenic: Does not cause tooth decay; Safe for dental health.

• Good Tolerance: Well-tolerated; Minimal GI issues (gas, bloating); Laxative threshold is higher than other polyols (~0.8-1.0 g/kg body weight).

• Non-Hygroscopic: Does not absorb moisture; Excellent for baking and dry formulations.

• Heat Stable: Stable at high temperatures; Suitable for baking and cooking.

• Cooling Effect: Provides a refreshing cooling sensation (endothermic dissolution).

• Natural Occurrence: Found naturally in fruits and fermented foods; Commercially produced by fermentation.

• Global Market Growth: Expected CAGR of 4-10% (2024-2034); Driven by increasing obesity and diabetes cases, keto and low-carb diet trends.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Food & Beverages: Use as low-calorie sweetener and bulking agent; Confectionery, bakery, beverages, dairy; Dosage: 5-20% depending on product; Replace sugar with erythritol at 70% sweetness; Combine with stevia or monk fruit for sweetness adjustment; Excellent for baking (heat-stable, non-hygroscopic).

• Pharmaceutical: Use as excipient and filler; Chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, lozenges, syrups; Pharmaceutical grade required; Use in pediatric formulations for taste masking.

• Cosmetics: Use as humectant and sweetener; Oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash); Skin care products (creams, lotions); Dosage: 1-5%.

• Dietary Supplements: Use as sweetener and bulking agent; Protein powders, meal replacements; Vitamin and mineral formulations.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (N95/FFP2) if dust is generated, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing.

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and heat; Recommended: <25°C, <65% RH; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 36-60 months under proper conditions.

• Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Can be incinerated in compliance with regulations.

DETECTION METHODS:

ERYTHRITOL vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.