Ammonium phosphatides
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E442, known as ammonium phosphatides, is an emulsifier mainly used in the chocolate and confectionery industry. It is obtained from the reaction of phosphatides (such as lecithin) with ammonia, resulting in a mixture of ammonium salts of phosphatidic acids. Industrially, it is produced by treating vegetable oils (such as soybean or rapeseed oil) with ammonia, followed by purification. It is a light brown solid or paste, soluble in water, with emulsifying properties that stabilize water and fat mixtures.
Its main function is to reduce viscosity and improve the flow of chocolate, allowing more efficient processing. It was approved in the European Union as a food additive and its safety has been evaluated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 30 mg/kg body weight. WHO also considers it safe at authorized doses.
On labeling, it must appear as 'ammonium phosphatides' or 'E442'.
No significant adverse effects in humans have been reported at permitted use levels. Its safety profile is high, and there are no relevant controversies regarding its use.
E442 is mainly used in cocoa and chocolate products, such as milk chocolates, filled chocolates, coatings, and confectionery products. It is also used in margarines and spreadable fats to improve emulsification.
In the Spanish market, it is found in chocolates from brands such as Nestlé, Valor, or Lindt, as well as in industrial bakery products. Regulation EC 1333/2008 authorizes its use in quantum satis amounts (no specific maximum limit) in most categories, although in chocolates and cocoa products it is allowed up to 10 g/kg. In the United States, the FDA classifies it as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and its use is permitted without specific limits, while in Japan it is also approved. Comparatively, European regulation is more restrictive in certain categories.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA indicate that E442 does not present significant adverse effects in humans at authorized doses. No allergic reactions or carcinogenic, genotoxic, or reproductive effects have been documented. In animal studies, low acute and chronic toxicity was observed. The mechanism of action is limited to its emulsifying function, without relevant biological interactions.
No specific sensitive populations have been identified, although people with allergies to soy or ammonia could theoretically exercise caution, but there is no evidence of reactions. No interactions with medications are known. EFSA concluded that dietary exposure to E442 is well below the ADI, so it is considered safe. WHO supports this conclusion.
In summary, there are no documented side effects in humans.
- Ammonium phosphatides
- Ammoniated lecithin
- Ammonium salts of phosphatidic acids
- Ammonium phosphatides
- Emulsifier Y
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
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