Regulation (EU) 2026/2298: curdlan (E 424) as a new food additive — levels up to 80 000 mg/kg from 8 November 2026
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 of 16 October 2026 (Official Journal of the European Union L series, published 19.10.2026; ELI: eli/reg/2026/2298/oj) amends Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. It authorises curdlan as food additive E 424 (gelling agent, stabiliser, thickener and firming agent). Entry into force: 8 November 2026.
Author: Tomasz Krawczyk | Legal status: 04.11.2026
Curdlan is a high-molecular-weight β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the non-pathogenic strain Rhizobium radiobacter biovar 1 NTK-u. It forms irreversible gels above 80 °C. The EFSA opinion of 9 September 2024 (EFSA Journal 2024;22:e8985, DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8985) concluded no safety concern at the proposed uses and levels using the margin-of-exposure approach.
1. What does the act do?
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 of 16 October 2026 (CELEX 32026R2298):
- adds E 424 to the Union list of additives in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008;
- includes identity and purity specifications in the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012;
- sets conditions of use with category-specific maximum levels;
- enters into force on the twentieth day after publication → 8 November 2026.
The act covers a wide range of ordinary foods. It does not open health claims and does not alter novel-food status.
2. Selected maximum levels
Maximum levels (mg/kg or mg/L) for selected categories (full list in the Annex):
| Category | Number | Maximum level | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein products (excl. cat. 01.8) | 12.9 | 80 000 | – |
| Other fat and oil emulsions | 02.2.2 | 50 000 | – |
| Edible ices | 03 | 30 000 | – |
| Sauces | 12.6 | 30 000 | – |
| Mustard | 12.4 | 30 000 | – |
| Soups and broths | 12.5 | 10 000 | – |
| Dry pasta | 06.4.2 | 20 000 | only gluten-free or for low-protein diets |
Some categories carry additional restrictions (e.g. prohibition on use to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion).
3. Specifications and safety
Curdlan must meet the purity criteria in the Annex to Regulation 231/2012 (including ≥80 % anhydrous glucose, microbiological limits, lead). EFSA applied the MOE approach and found no safety concern at the proposed levels (highest 95th-percentile exposure in toddlers approx. 1 441 mg/kg bw/day at maximum levels).
4. What it means for operators
For manufacturers and importers:
- from 8.11.2026 E 424 may be used only in authorised categories and within the maximum levels;
- before that date the authorisation does not apply;
- compliance documentation and correct labelling are required;
- the act does not replace other requirements (FIC, claims, novel food, national notifications).
5. Operator checklist
- Is the product category listed in Annex II after the 2026/2298 amendment?
- Does the intended level stay within the maximum for that category (e.g. 80 000 mg/kg in 12.9)?
- Does the substance meet the 231/2012 specifications?
- Does the placing-on-the-market date respect the EIF of 8.11.2026?
- Is the labelling correct (name or E number)?
Glossary
- Curdlan (E 424)
- High-molecular-weight β-1,3-glucan produced by fermentation; gelling and stabilising agent.
- MOE
- Margin of exposure — the approach used by EFSA in the safety assessment.
- Annex II 1333/2008
- Union list of authorised food additives with conditions of use.
Conclusion
From 8 November 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 authorises curdlan (E 424) in specified food categories at concrete maximum levels (up to 80 000 mg/kg in protein products). The basis is the 2024 EFSA opinion, but market authorisation results solely from the Commission act. Operators must respect categories, levels and specifications.
Educational B2B material, not legal advice. The text is based on Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 (CELEX 32026R2298) and the EFSA opinion (DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8985). Qualification of a specific product requires the full text of the act and supporting documentation. Manufacturers and importers: B2B contact.
Primary sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 — CELEX 32026R2298; ELI eli/reg/2026/2298/oj; OJ L 19.10.2026; EIF 8.11.2026.
- EFSA Journal 2024;22:e8985 — Safety evaluation of curdlan as a food additive (DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8985).
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 — Annex II (list of additives).
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 — additive specifications.