soluble dietary fibre heteroglycan pectin Europe::440 Any mixture of complex, colloidal, macromolecular plant galacturonans containing a large proportion of D-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues in alpha-(1->4) linkage, the carboxy groups of which may be esterified to varying degrees by methyl groups or be partially or completely converted into salts. The structure shown is that of the parent polygalacturonan. A heteropolysaccharide containing a large proportion of <small>D</small>-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues in α-(1→4) linkage, of which the hydroxy groups at positions C2 and C3 may be acetylated and carboxy groups at positions C6 may be esterified to varying degrees by methyl groups or be partially or completely converted into salts. Codex::440 LanguaL term definition: Food additive; technological purpose(s): emulsifier, gelling agent, stabilizer, thickener. pectin producing plant fruit food product food additive