Food additive databasethickener / stabilizerChecked 2026-10-02

Polyvinylpyrrolidone ポリビニルピロリドン

Designated additivePermitted in the EU (E1201)

Purpose: thickener / stabilizer
On the label: “糊料（ポリビニルピロリドン）” (paste (polyvinylpyrrolidone)), “増粘剤（PVP）” (thickener (PVP)), “ポビドン” (povidone)
Name in the List of Designated Additives: ポリビニルピロリドン (No. 401)

In Japan

A designated additive classified as a paste (糊料). Under the standards for use, it can be used only in foods not in a normal food form, such as capsules and tablets, and this does not include confectionery.
The abbreviated names are “ポビドン” (povidone) and “PVP”. When used as a thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent, or paste, the purpose name must be written alongside (CAA, annex to the “Explanation of the Food Labeling Standards”).

Japan's standards for use

Only for foods not in a normal food form such as capsules and tablets
“Foods not in a normal food form such as capsules and tablets” does not include confectionery (notice of June 18, 2014)

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 E1201.

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 thickener / stabilizer

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