What is E470a?
E470a is Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids — made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
What is E470a (Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids)?
E470a is the E-number for sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids, 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 can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats. Like every E-number, E470a 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 E470a in detail below.
Where is E470a found?
E470a 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 (E470a) or by its full name, sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids. Common foods that may contain E470a include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E470a and how to spot it on labels →
Is E470a safe?
E470a 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 E470a.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E470a vegan?
E470a is uncertain for vegans — it is made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E470a →Is E470a halal?
E470a is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E470a →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E470a in food?
E470a is Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids — made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
Is E470a safe to eat?
Yes. E470a is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E470a vegan?
E470a is uncertain for vegans — it is made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E470a halal?
E470a is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fats. 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).