What is E476?
E476 is Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR) — made from glycerol and castor oil, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
What is E476 (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate)?
E476 is the E-number for polyglycerol polyricinoleate, 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 glycerol and castor oil. Like every E-number, E476 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 E476 in detail below.
Where is E476 found?
E476 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 (E476) or by its full name, polyglycerol polyricinoleate. Common foods that may contain E476 include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E476 and how to spot it on labels →
E476 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is PGPR safe?
Is E476 safe?
E476 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 E476.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E476 vegan?
E476 is vegan. Made from glycerol and castor oil, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E476 →Is E476 halal?
E476 is halal. Made from glycerol and castor oil, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E476 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E476 in food?
E476 is Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR) — made from glycerol and castor oil, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
Is E476 safe to eat?
Yes. E476 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E476 vegan?
E476 is vegan. Made from glycerol and castor oil, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E476 halal?
E476 is halal. Made from glycerol and castor oil, with no haram source involved.
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).