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.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 of 16 October 2026 (CELEX 32026R2298):
The act covers a wide range of ordinary foods. It does not open health claims and does not alter novel-food status.
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).
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).
For manufacturers and importers:
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.