Curdlan (E-424) authorized in the EU: what food manufacturers must do

Key data

Processed food manufacturers operating in the EU have a new compliance obligation on the table. The Regulation (EU) 2026/2298, published on 19 October 2026, authorizes the use of curdlan (E-424) as a food additive in new product categories, amending two key sector regulations: the Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives and the Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012 on specifications of additives.

The impact is direct: if your company manufactures, imports or distributes processed foods in Europe, you must verify whether your products contain this additive and whether they comply with the new authorized limits and categories.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 introduces two simultaneous and complementary amendments:

Curdlan is a polysaccharide produced by microbial fermentation. It is used in the food industry as a gelling agent and thickener in processed products: it allows the creation of firm and stable textures in foods such as meat substitutes, industrial bakery products, seafood analogues, sauces and other processed foods.

Until now, its use in the EU was limited or not contemplated in certain food categories. With this amendment, the European Commission expands the legal framework so that manufacturers can incorporate it in a regulated manner in their formulations.

Economic and operational impact

This regulation does not generate a direct fiscal cost, but it does imply operational adaptation costs for affected companies. The main impacts are:

• Formulation review: Companies that already use curdlan must verify that their doses and product categories comply with the new authorized limits. Those wishing to incorporate it now have the path open.
• Update of technical specifications: Ingredient specification documents and product technical data sheets must reflect the E-424 code with the specifications of the updated Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012.
• Labeling review: The labeling of products containing curdlan must include the correct name of the additive and its E-424 code, in accordance with current labeling regulations.
• Update of internal records: Records of authorized additives in food safety and quality management systems (HACCP, IFS, BRC) must be updated.
• Risk of non-compliance: Products containing curdlan outside authorized categories or limits may be subject to market recalls or sanctions by food control authorities.

For companies wishing to take advantage of the authorization to innovate in products, this regulation opens a real opportunity: curdlan allows the development of textures in plant-based and processed foods that previously required other additives with worse technical or regulatory profiles.

Who does it affect?

• Processed food manufacturers established in the EU that use or wish to use curdlan as a gelling agent or thickener.
• Importers of processed foods
• Distributors and private label operators
• R&D and quality departments
• Procurement and supply managers
• Regulatory advisors and labeling consultants

Practical example

A Spanish manufacturer of seafood analogues (crab sticks, surimi) that currently uses other gelling agents in its formulation wants to evaluate whether it can replace them with curdlan (E-424) to improve the texture of its product at lower cost.

With Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 in force, the R&D department can now check whether the corresponding product category is included in the updated Annex II of Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 and what is the maximum authorized usage limit for E-424 in that category.

If the category is authorized, the adaptation process involves: (1) reformulating the product with curdlan within the legal limit, (2) updating the technical data sheet with the specifications of Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012, (3) reviewing the labeling to include "curdlan" or "E-424" in the ingredient list, and (4) updating the HACCP system records. If the company markets the product with curdlan without having verified these steps, it is exposed to a market recall by AESAN or other national authorities.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify whether your products contain or will contain curdlan (E-424): Review your current formulations and those planned in R&D to determine whether this regulation directly affects you.
2. Consult the authorized categories and limits in the updated Annex II of Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008: Verify that your products fit into the authorized categories and that the doses used do not exceed the established limits.
3. Update the technical specifications of the additive: Ensure that the curdlan you use complies with the specifications of the Annex of Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012 in its amended version.
4. Review and update product labeling: Correctly include the name "curdlan" and/or the code "E-424" in the ingredient list of all affected products.
5. Update additive records in your quality systems: Incorporate the change in your HACCP documents, product data sheets and food safety management systems (IFS, BRC, FSSC 22000).
6. Inform suppliers and importers: If you purchase ingredients or semi-finished products from third parties that may contain curdlan, communicate the new requirements and request the corresponding compliance documentation.

Official source

Consult the complete regulation in the official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R2298