Polyvinyl alcohol (CAS no. 9002-89-5) was placed on the agenda of the 61st JECFA. Polyvinyl alcohol
was first prepared by Hermann and Haehnel in 1924 by hydrolyzing polyvinyl acetate in ethanol with
potassium hydroxide. Polyvinyl alcohol is produced commercially from polyvinyl acetate, usually by a
continuous process. The acetate groups are hydrolyzed by ester interchange with methanol in the presence
of anhydrous sodium methylate or aqueous sodium hydroxide. The physical characteristics and its specific
functional uses depend on the degree of polymerization and the degree of hydrolysis. Polyvinyl alcohol is
classified into two classes namely: partially hydrolyzed and fully hydrolyzed. Partially hydrolyzed PVA
is used in the foods.
Polyvinyl alcohol is an odorless and tasteless, translucent, white or cream colored granular powder. It is
used as a moisture barrier film for food supplement tablets and for foods that contain inclusions or dry food
with inclusions that need to be protected from moisture uptake.
Polyvinyl alcohol is not known to occur as a natural product.