Pullulan
A safe and innovative microbial-derived film coating.
- Category
- Glazing agents
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Pullulan is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation, used to make clear edible films.
How it is used in food
Forms a clear film with an unusually good oxygen barrier, which protects what it wraps.
Commonly found in- Capsule shells
- Breath-freshener strips
- Edible films and coatings
Health and safety
None known. Human enzymes break it down slowly, so most of it behaves like a soluble fibre.
Molecules this large are not absorbed from the gut, which is why they carry very low toxicity and why EFSA generally sets no numerical ADI for them.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E1204
Worth knowing
It is what dissolving breath strips are made of — the film melts on the tongue in seconds.
Conclusion
A safe and innovative microbial-derived film coating.
Is it in what you are buying?
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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