What is E442?
E442 is Ammonium Phosphatides — made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
What is E442 (Ammonium Phosphatides)?
E442 is the E-number for ammonium phosphatides, one of the emulsifiers group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. Made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed. Like every E-number, E442 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E442 in detail below.
Where is E442 found?
E442 is typically used in bread, margarine, chocolate, ice cream, cakes and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E442) or by its full name, ammonium phosphatides. Common foods that may contain E442 include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E442 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E442 safe?
E442 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E442.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E442 vegan?
E442 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E442 →Is E442 halal?
E442 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E442 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E442 in food?
E442 is Ammonium Phosphatides — made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
Is E442 safe to eat?
Yes. E442 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E442 vegan?
E442 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E442 halal?
E442 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from fatty acids that are usually plant-derived, commonly from rapeseed. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).