What is E472a?
E472a is Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides — based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
What is E472a (Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides)?
E472a is the E-number for acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, 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. Based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Like every E-number, E472a 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 E472a in detail below.
Where is E472a found?
E472a 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 (E472a) or by its full name, acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides. Common foods that may contain E472a include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E472a and how to spot it on labels →
Is E472a safe?
E472a 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 E472a.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E472a vegan?
E472a is uncertain for vegans — it is based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E472a →Is E472a halal?
E472a is mashbooh (doubtful) — based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E472a →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E472a in food?
E472a is Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides — based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
Is E472a safe to eat?
Yes. E472a is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E472a vegan?
E472a is uncertain for vegans — it is based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E472a halal?
E472a is mashbooh (doubtful) — based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. 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).