Sorbitan esters
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E491, known as sorbitan esters or sorbitan monostearate, is an emulsifier widely used in the food industry. It is obtained by esterification of sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) with fatty acids of vegetable origin, mainly stearic acid.
Industrially, the reaction is carried out at high temperatures and in the presence of catalysts, yielding a mixture of partial sorbitan esters. Physically, it appears as a waxy solid, white or yellowish, with a melting point between 50-60°C. It is soluble in oils and dispersible in hot water, which gives it stable emulsifying properties. Its main function is to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, improving texture and preventing phase separation.
Historically, it was approved in the European Union as a food additive in the 1970s, and its use is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety on several occasions, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 10 mg/kg body weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated it, concluding that it is safe at authorized use levels.
Regarding food safety, E491 is considered a low-risk additive, with no evidence of significant acute or chronic toxicity. On labeling, it must appear as 'sorbitan esters' or with its E number. Although some consumers may have concerns about additives in general, EFSA and WHO support its use within established limits.
E491 is mainly used as an emulsifier in a wide variety of food products. In the European Union, it is authorized in categories such as fine bakery products (cakes, cookies), ice cream, dairy desserts, emulsified sauces, chocolates and cocoa products, as well as milk substitutes and milk-based beverages.
In the Spanish market, it is commonly found in filled cookies, cocoa creams, high-quality ice creams, and margarines. Maximum use levels vary by category, from 500 mg/kg in ice cream to 10,000 mg/kg in fine bakery products, according to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Compared to the US FDA, E491 is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for certain uses, although with similar limits. In Japan, it is also approved, but with stricter restrictions in some products.
The versatility of E491 makes it a key additive for achieving smooth and stable textures.
Scientific studies on E491 indicate that it is a safe additive at authorized doses. EFSA, in its 2017 re-evaluation, concluded that there is no evidence of significant adverse effects in humans. Acute and chronic toxicity studies in animals have not shown relevant effects, even at doses much higher than the ADI.
The biological mechanism of E491 involves its hydrolysis in the intestine to sorbitol and fatty acids, which are metabolized naturally. No side effects such as allergies or specific intolerances have been documented, although people with sensitivity to sorbitol might experience mild digestive discomfort if they consume large amounts, but this is unlikely given the use levels. No interactions with medications are known. WHO also supports its safety.
In conclusion, E491 is considered safe for the general population, with no documented side effects under normal consumption conditions.
- Sorbitan monostearate
- Sorbitan esters
- Span 60
- Sorbitan monostearate
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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