Is Erythritol Banned in Any Country? Global Regulations and Health Concerns Examined

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite recent headlines questioning its safety, regulatory bodies like the FDA and WHO widely approve erythritol for consumption. This has led many to question: Is erythritol banned in any country? The answer involves global regulatory status, international trade policy, and evolving health research.

Quick Summary

Erythritol is not banned for consumption in any major country, but its regulatory landscape includes specific labeling requirements and trade restrictions.

Key Points

Not Banned: Erythritol is not banned for consumption in any major country, including the US, Canada, EU, and Japan.
Regulatory Approval: Health and food safety agencies like the FDA and EFSA have widely approved erythritol's use as a food additive.
Cardiovascular Risk: Recent studies have linked high levels of erythritol to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, though these findings are still under investigation and did not lead to a ban.
Trade, Not Safety: The EU imposed anti-dumping duties on erythritol from China, but this was a trade measure, not a ban based on health or safety concerns.
Labeling and Side Effects: Most countries require erythritol to be listed as an ingredient, and high consumption may necessitate a laxative effect warning due to potential digestive upset.
Moderation Advised: Experts recommend consuming erythritol in moderation, especially considering recent health studies and potential side effects from excessive intake.

Understanding Erythritol: The Regulatory Landscape

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that is naturally present in some fruits and fermented foods, and is also commercially produced for use as a zero-calorie sweetener. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in products marketed for diabetic, ketogenic, and low-carb diets, due to its minimal impact on blood glucose and insulin levels. Its high digestive tolerance compared to other polyols also makes it an attractive alternative. However, a confluence of evolving scientific research and international trade disputes has created confusion among consumers regarding its legal status. The primary concern is whether a country has instituted an outright ban on the substance.

United States (FDA) Approval and Status

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified erythritol as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). This status has been in place since the 1990s and means that, based on a history of safe use and scientific evidence, experts consider it safe under its intended conditions of use. The GRAS designation has significant implications, as it means food manufacturers are not required to include erythritol on the nutritional label, though it must be listed in the ingredients. While the FDA acknowledges potential health risks associated with excessive consumption, it has not moved to ban the sweetener.

European Union (EU) Regulations and Trade Issues

For the European Union, erythritol is also approved for use as a food additive (E 968). However, EU regulations require a warning label about the potential laxative effects of polyols, including erythritol, if they exceed a certain percentage in a product. A key point of confusion for consumers is the distinction between a health-based ban and trade restrictions. In January 2025, the European Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of erythritol from China. This action, taken to protect EU industry from unfair pricing, is a trade measure and does not affect the safety or legality of consuming erythritol within the EU.

Canada (Health Canada) and Other Countries

Health Canada has also approved the use of erythritol as a sweetener. Similar to EU regulations, Canada has specific labeling requirements for foods containing polyols, requiring the total amount to be listed on the label. Erythritol has a history of safe use and approval in many other countries, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Brazil. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) also reviewed erythritol and established an acceptable daily intake as “not specified,” reflecting confidence in its safety.

Evolving Health Concerns and Research

While regulatory agencies maintain their stance on erythritol's safety, recent scientific studies have prompted increased public concern and media coverage. The primary controversy stems from research published in 2023 that explored a potential link between high levels of erythritol and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.

The Link to Cardiovascular Risk

A 2023 study associated higher blood levels of erythritol with increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that erythritol enhanced blood clotting in both laboratory tests and in mice.
In a small human study, volunteers consuming a beverage with a high dose of erythritol saw a thousandfold increase in blood levels, remaining elevated for several days.
The authors of this study recommend further investigation, noting that erythritol levels achieved in common food products far exceed natural levels.
This research did not prompt immediate regulatory action, and health authorities have called for more in-depth studies before drawing definitive conclusions.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Unlike some other polyols, erythritol is generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause significant digestive upset. This is because it is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and excreted in the urine, with only a small portion reaching the large intestine for bacterial fermentation. However, excessive consumption can still lead to side effects like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which is why some jurisdictions require a laxative effect warning label.

Erythritol vs. Other Sweeteners: A Comparison


Feature	Erythritol	Stevia	Aspartame	Xylitol
Calories	Nearly zero	Zero	Nearly zero	2.4 kcal/g
Glycemic Impact	No impact on blood sugar	No impact on blood sugar	No impact on blood sugar	Lower than sugar
Digestive Effects	High tolerance, laxative effect in excess	Good tolerance	Generally well-tolerated	Can cause significant digestive upset
Flavor Profile	Clean, mild sweetness	Some may experience aftertaste	Clean, sweet	Sweet, cooling sensation
Regulatory Status (US)	GRAS	GRAS	Approved	GRAS

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Erythritol's Legality

In summary, is erythritol banned in any country? The answer is no, erythritol is not banned for consumption in any major country. It is widely approved by leading health and food safety authorities, including the US FDA, the EU's EFSA, and Health Canada. The confusion often arises from trade restrictions, such as the anti-dumping duties the EU placed on Chinese imports, which are not based on safety concerns but economic policy. While recent studies have raised questions about high-dose consumption and cardiovascular risk, regulatory bodies have not changed its approved status, pending further research. Consumers should be aware of labeling regulations, potential gastrointestinal side effects at high doses, and the ongoing scientific debate surrounding its long-term health effects. For more information on food additive regulations, consult an authoritative source like the International Food Information Council.

How to Manage Erythritol Intake

Read ingredient lists carefully: While not always on the nutrition facts, erythritol is included in the ingredient list, especially in products marketed as 'sugar-free' or 'keto-friendly'.
Be cautious with high-dose products: Some baked goods and sugar-free candies contain high concentrations of erythritol that could exceed recommended tolerable intake levels and increase the risk of side effects.
Limit processed foods: The easiest way to reduce consumption of any non-nutritive sweetener is to minimize the intake of highly processed foods and rely on whole foods for natural sweetness.
Be aware of other polyols: Many sugar-free products use a blend of sweeteners. Understanding the properties of other sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol is also important for managing intake.

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Confusion arises from recent scientific studies suggesting potential links between high erythritol consumption and cardiovascular risks, as well as separate European Union trade restrictions placed on Chinese-imported erythritol. These were not safety-based bans on consumption.

No, the 2023 study published in Nature Medicine did not result in any country banning erythritol. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA maintained their approved status, calling for more extensive research into the sweetener's long-term effects.

No, the European Commission's anti-dumping duties on Chinese erythritol are a trade policy measure to protect the EU's domestic industry from unfair pricing. They are unrelated to the safety of consuming erythritol, which remains approved as a food additive within the EU.

Erythritol is generally considered safe for most people, especially when consumed in moderate amounts. However, individuals with heart conditions or those sensitive to sugar alcohols should exercise caution, particularly given the new research on clotting risks associated with high doses.

The most common side effects from high-dose erythritol consumption are gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. However, it is generally better tolerated than other polyols like sorbitol or xylitol.

Erythritol exists naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, but the erythritol used commercially in foods is typically produced artificially through a fermentation process using yeast and glucose. This production method leads it to be considered an artificial sweetener.

Countries like Canada and EU member states require specific labeling for products containing sugar alcohols like erythritol. This is primarily to inform consumers about the potential laxative effects if consumed in excessive quantities, not due to toxicity.