What is E470b?
E470b is Magnesium 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 E470b (Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids)?
E470b is the E-number for magnesium 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, E470b 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 E470b in detail below.
Where is E470b found?
E470b 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 (E470b) or by its full name, magnesium salts of fatty acids. Common foods that may contain E470b include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E470b and how to spot it on labels →
Is E470b safe?
E470b 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 E470b.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E470b vegan?
E470b 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 E470b →Is E470b halal?
E470b 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 E470b →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E470b in food?
E470b is Magnesium 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 E470b safe to eat?
Yes. E470b is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E470b vegan?
E470b 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 E470b halal?
E470b 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).