Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin)
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0.00
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Description
The food additive E1518, known as glyceryl triacetate or triacetin, is a humectant used in the food industry to retain moisture and improve product texture. It is an ester of glycerol and acetic acid, with the chemical formula C9H14O6. Industrially, it is obtained by esterification of glycerol with acetic acid or acetic anhydride, followed by purification processes such as distillation.
It is a colorless, slightly oily liquid with a faint vinegar odor, soluble in water and alcohol. Its main function is as a humectant, but it is also used as a solvent for flavors and as a plasticizer in coatings.
Historically, triacetin was approved as a food additive in the European Union after evaluations by EFSA and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-3 mg/kg body weight, based on toxicity studies that showed no significant adverse effects. The WHO also supports its safety at authorized doses.
Regarding labeling, it must appear as 'glyceryl triacetate' or 'triacetin' in the ingredient list. The food safety of E1518 is well documented, and its use is regulated by EC Regulation 1333/2008. In summary, it is a safe and effective additive when used within established limits.
E1518 is mainly used as a humectant in bakery products, pastries, chewing gum, and coatings for fruits and vegetables. It is also used as a solvent for flavors in beverages and as a plasticizer in edible films.
In the Spanish market, it is found in products such as sliced bread, industrial pastries, sugar-free chewing gum, and glazed fruits. EC Regulation 1333/2008 authorizes its use in quantum satis amounts (no specific maximum limit) in most applications, except in some products where limits are set, such as 10 g/kg in chewing gum. Comparatively, the FDA classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for similar uses, while in Japan it is permitted with similar restrictions.
Its versatility and safety profile make it a common additive in the food industry.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA indicate that triacetin has low acute and chronic toxicity. No significant adverse effects in humans have been documented at authorized use levels. In animal studies, very high doses (above 1000 mg/kg/day) caused effects such as diarrhea and increased liver weight, but these levels are not relevant to human exposure.
The biological mechanism involves its hydrolysis into glycerol and acetic acid, natural compounds of metabolism. No particularly sensitive populations have been identified, although people with an allergy to acetic acid could react. No interactions with medications are known. EFSA concluded that the ADI of 0-3 mg/kg/day is safe, and the WHO supports this assessment.
Therefore, E1518 is considered safe for the general population at the amounts present in foods.
- Triacetin
- Glyceryl triacetate
- Glycerol triacetate
- 1,2,3-Propanetriol triacetate
- Glycerine triacetate
- Glyceryl triacetate
- Propanetriol triacetate
- Triacetin
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