E1209: Polyvinyl Alcohol-Polyethylene Glycol Graft Copolymer
Main role: coating solid supplements
Also listed as: PVA-PEG graft copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol polyethylene glycol graft copolymer
What is E1209 (Polyvinyl Alcohol-Polyethylene Glycol Graft Copolymer)?
E1209 is a specified graft copolymer combining polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol components. It has a defined film-coating role in authorized solid food supplement applications.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is coating solid 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 supplement coatings
- Authorized tablet preparations
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 E1209, E 1209, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include PVA-PEG graft copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol polyethylene glycol graft copolymer. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A graft copolymer is not simply a declaration of separate PVA and PEG ingredients. Use the E1209 specification when researching the coating's identity and permitted applications.
Is E1209 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 E1209 as Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol- graft -co-polymer. 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.