What is E1201?
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (E1201) is a polymer used in selected food clarification and formulation applications. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice specialised processing aids and additives.
E1201 is a water-soluble polymer also called PVP. In food, its technological role can include clarification and selected formulation uses, subject to purity and residual limits.
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What is Polyvinylpyrrolidone?
E1201 is a water-soluble polymer also called PVP. In food, its technological role can include clarification and selected formulation uses, subject to purity and residual limits.
What's it used for?
- Clarifying selected beverages
- Supporting tablet or nutrient formulations
- Serving as a formulation aid in specified products
- Binding or carrying ingredients in limited applications
Where you'll find E1201 on the shelf
Where authorised, it is most relevant to beverage clarification, specialised nutrition products and certain tablet or coating applications.
Is E1201 safe? What the regulators say
E1201 is authorised or permitted in all three systems checked, but its use is narrow and subject to food category, purity and residual limits.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists polyvinylpyrrolidone as additive 1201 in Schedule 15. The relevant category and specification conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E1201 is on the EU Union list for specified food categories and carrier or formulation uses, with EU specifications applying. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA 21 CFR 173.55 permits polyvinylpyrrolidone for specified clarification and formulation uses, with residual and use limits. |
Goodnessly rates E1201 Caution because it is a specialised polymer additive with narrow uses. This is not a claim that authorised E1201 use causes harm.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 lists E1201 as a permitted additive with category conditions.
- EU Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 and Regulation (EU) No 1130/2011 cover E1201 uses.
- 21 CFR 173.55 sets the US conditions for polyvinylpyrrolidone.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer simpler processing systems
- People comparing clarified beverages or specialised nutrition products
- People following professional advice about a specific formulation
E1201 is a good example of why the food category and technical purpose matter more than the code alone.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone
- PVP
- 1201 or E1201
- Formulation aid (1201)
The label may show polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP or a functional class with the number. Processing use may not appear in the same way as a direct ingredient.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E1201?
E1201 is polyvinylpyrrolidone, a polymer used in selected clarification and formulation applications.
Is E1201 permitted?
E1201 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US for specified uses.
Why is E1201 rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a prompt to notice specialised polymer additives and their narrow technical uses.
How does Goodnessly rate E1201?
Goodnessly rates E1201 (polyvinylpyrrolidone) as Caution.
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