Sorbitan monopalmitate
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E495, known as sorbitan monopalmitate, is an emulsifier widely used in the food industry. It belongs to the family of sorbitan esters, which are obtained by esterification of sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) with fatty acids of vegetable origin. Specifically, E495 is produced by the reaction of sorbitol with palmitic acid, resulting in a mixture of partial esters of sorbitan and its anhydrides.
Industrially, the process involves heating sorbitol and palmitic acid in the presence of a catalyst, followed by purification. The result is a white or cream waxy solid with a melting point between 45-55 °C, insoluble in water but dispersible in oils. Its main function is to stabilize emulsions, reduce surface tension, and improve food texture.
E495 was approved as a food additive in the European Union after evaluations by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-10 mg/kg body weight for the group of sorbitan esters, based on toxicological studies that showed no significant adverse effects. WHO also supports this ADI. Regarding food safety, it is considered a safe additive at authorized doses.
In labeling, it must appear as 'sorbitan monopalmitate' or with its E number. Although there are no major controversies, some consumers prefer to avoid processed additives, but scientific evidence supports its safety.
E495 is mainly used as an emulsifier in bakery products, pastries, chocolates, creams, sauces, ice cream, and dairy products.
In the Spanish market, it is found in margarines, coating chocolates, cookie fillings, and industrial pastry products. Regulation EC 1333/2008 authorizes its use in various food categories with limits that vary by product: for example, in chocolates and cocoa products up to 10 g/kg, in fat emulsions up to 10 g/kg, and in ice cream up to 5 g/kg. The FDA classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for certain uses without specific limits, while in Japan it is permitted with restrictions similar to European ones. Comparatively, the EU has more detailed limits by category.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA have not documented significant adverse effects in humans at authorized doses. In animals, very high doses (far above the ADI) have shown mild laxative effects due to the presence of unesterified sorbitol, but this is not relevant under normal use conditions. No carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic effects have been identified.
The biological mechanism is inert: the additive is hydrolyzed in the intestine into fatty acids and sorbitol, which are metabolized normally. Sensitive populations such as individuals with sorbitol intolerance could experience digestive discomfort if they consume large amounts, but levels in foods are low.
No interactions with medications are known. The conclusion of EFSA and WHO is that E495 is safe under authorized conditions of use.
- Sorbitan ester of palmitic acid
- Sorbitan monopalmitate
- Span 40
Classification:
Statistics
35
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.