Food additive databaseprocessing agentChecked 2026-10-02

Polyvinyl Alcohol (Vinyl Alcohol Polymer) ポリビニルアルコール（別名ポバール）

Designated additivePermitted in the EU (E1203)

Purpose: processing agent
On the label: “ポリビニルアルコール” (polyvinyl alcohol), “PVA” (abbreviated name)
Name in the List of Designated Additives: ポリビニルアルコール（別名ポバール） (No. 400)

In Japan

A designated additive. It is not on the list of standards for use, and no limits on the foods it can be used in or the amount have been set.
When written by substance name, the abbreviated name “PVA” can also be used (CAA, annex to the “Explanation of the Food Labeling Standards”).

Japan's standards for use

There are no standards for use that limit which foods or how much (the general standards for all additives still apply).

This is a summary of the standards for use. See the source list for the exact conditions.

In the EU

It is on the EU list of food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II) as E1203.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-02. Rules and evaluations change over time. This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.

This page lists facts stated in laws and in evaluations by public bodies; it is not a safety verdict. Additives used in Japan are approved by the government, which sets the foods and amounts they can be used in. The ADI is a guide to the amount that is considered safe to take every day over a lifetime.

Other substances used as processing agent

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