E1208: Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
Main role: binding and coating supplements
Also listed as: copovidone, copolyvidon, PVP-VA
What is E1208 (Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer)?
E1208 is a specified copolymer containing pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate components. It is used for technical binding or coating functions in permitted solid supplement preparations.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is binding and coating supplements. A carrier helps incorporate another ingredient, while a processing ingredient may support a manufacturing step or coating. The final declaration and exposure depend on the application and the labeling rules in the relevant market.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified solid food supplements
- Supplement tablet coatings
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E1208, E 1208, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include copovidone, copolyvidon, PVP-VA. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Copovidone differs from PVP E1201 and crosslinked PVPP E1202. The common pyrrolidone component should not be used to infer identical solubility or food-use conditions.
Is E1208 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E1208 as Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.