Kuillaja ekstraktı

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A plant extract containing saponins, obtained by water extraction from the bark of the soap bark tree (Quillaja saponaria), which grows in South America.

Where it is used

Used as a foaming agent, particularly in flavoured water-based drinks and in products such as cider. It is authorised in the lists of EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives.

Health note

In its 2019 re-evaluation (EFSA Journal 2019;17(3):5622) EFSA derived an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3 mg saponins/kg body weight per day, based on the NOAEL of 1,500 mg extract/kg body weight per day from a two-year study in rats. The Panel reported that the genotoxicity data did not indicate a concern and that none of the exposure estimates for the different population groups in the refined scenario exceeded the ADI. It also recommended revising the EU specifications so as to differentiate the extracts according to their saponin content.

Halal assessment

Its source is plant-based (the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree); no animal input is reported in the EFSA opinion. Consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.