Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate
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points/product
Description
E482, known as calcium stearoyl lactylate, is a food additive emulsifier and stabilizer widely used in the food industry. It is obtained by reacting stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid present in animal and vegetable fats) with lactic acid, followed by neutralization with calcium hydroxide.
Industrially, the process involves esterification of stearic acid with lactic acid to form lactylate esters, which are then converted to the calcium salt. The final product is a white to cream-colored powder with a slight characteristic odor, soluble in hot water and oils, and with a melting point around 45-60 °C. Its main function is to improve the texture and stability of emulsions, acting as a dough strengthener that improves bread volume and softness of baked goods. It is also used as a stabilizer in sauces, creams, and dairy products.
Historically, it was approved as a food additive in the European Union in 1995, following evaluations by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). EFSA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-20 mg/kg body weight, based on toxicological studies that showed no significant adverse effects. WHO also considers it safe at authorized doses. Regarding food safety, E482 is completely metabolized in the body, breaking down into stearic acid, lactic acid, and calcium, all natural components of the body. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects have been reported in animal studies.
The overall safety assessment is favorable, and its labeling in the EU must appear as 'calcium stearoyl lactylate' or with the number E482 in the ingredient list. Despite its synthetic origin, it is considered a safe and well-tolerated additive.
E482 is mainly used in bakery and industrial pastry products, such as sliced bread, rolls, muffins, sponge cakes, and cookies, where it acts as a dough improver, increasing volume and fluffiness, and extending freshness. It is also used in emulsified sauces, spreads, ice cream, dairy desserts, and processed meat products to stabilize emulsions and prevent phase separation.
In the Spanish market, it is commonly found in sliced bread from brands like Bimbo, in supermarket muffins, and in sauces like mayonnaise. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, authorized limits vary by category: in fine bakery wares, up to 5 g/kg; in common bread, up to 3 g/kg; in emulsified sauces, up to 10 g/kg; and in ice cream, up to 5 g/kg. Compared to the US FDA, E482 is approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) with similar limits, while in Japan its use is permitted but with stricter restrictions in some products.
The versatility of E482 makes it a key additive for the food industry, especially in long-life baked goods.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA have not documented significant adverse effects associated with the consumption of E482 at authorized doses. In animal trials, high doses (far above the ADI) have shown mild laxative effects due to the presence of stearic acid, but no chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive effects have been observed.
The biological mechanism is safe: the additive is hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract into its basic components (stearic acid, lactic acid, and calcium), which are absorbed and metabolized normally. No specific sensitive populations have been identified, although individuals with lactic acid intolerance might experience mild digestive discomfort if consuming large amounts, but this is unlikely at usage levels. No interactions with medications are known.
The conclusion of EFSA and WHO is that E482 is safe for the general population, including children and the elderly, within established limits. The ADI of 0-20 mg/kg/day provides a wide safety margin, as the estimated dietary intake is much lower. Therefore, no additional restrictions are considered necessary.
- Calcium stearoyl lactylate
- Stearoyl lactylate calcium salt
- Calcium lactylate
- CSL
- Calcium stearoyl lactylate
- Stearyl lactylic acid calcium salt
- Calcium stearoyl lactylate anhydrous
- Functional calcium lactylate
- Calcium stearoyl lactylate
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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