Table 2.
Specifications of mono‐ and di‐glycerides of fatty acids (E 471) as food additive
| Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012a | JECFA (2006) | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mono‐ and di‐glycerides of fatty acids consist of mixtures of glycerol mono‐, di‐ and tri‐esters of fatty acids occurring in food oils and fats. They may contain small amounts of free fatty acids and glycerol | A mixture of mono‐ and di‐glyceryl esters of long chain, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that occur in food fats; contain not less than 30% of alpha‐monoglycerides and may also contain other isomeric monoglycerides, as well as di‐ and triglycerides, free glycerol, free fatty acids, soap and moisture; usually manufactured by the glycerolysis of edible fats and oils, but may also be prepared by esterification of fatty acids with glycerol, with or without molecular distillation of the product |
| Assay | Content of mono‐ and di‐esters: not less than 70% | – |
| Description | The product varies from a pale yellow to pale brown oily liquid to a white or slightly off‐white hard waxy solid. The solids may be in the form of flakes, powders or small beads | White or cream‐coloured hard fats of waxy appearance, plastic products or viscous liquids |
| Identification | ||
| Infrared absorption spectrum | Characteristic of a partial fatty acid ester of a polyol | The infrared spectrum of the sample is characteristic of a partial fatty acid ester of a polyol |
| Test for glycerol | Passes test | Passes test |
| Test for fatty acids | Passes test | Passes test |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol and toluene at 50°C | Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, chloroform and benzene |
| Purity | ||
| Water content | Not more than 2% (Karl Fischer method) | Not more than 2.0% (Karl Fischer Method) |
| Acid value | Not more than 6 | Not more than 6 |
| Free glycerol | Not more than 7% | Not more than 7% |
| Polyglycerols | Not more than 4% diglycerol and not more than 1% higher polyglycerols both based on total glycerol content | – |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg | – |
| Lead | Not more than 2 mg/kg | Not more than 2 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg | – |
| Cadmium | Not more than 1 mg/kg | – |
| Total glycerol | Not less than 16% and not more than 33% | – |
| Sulfated ash | Not more than 0.5% determined at 800 ± 25°C | – |
| Soap | – | Not more than 6%, calculated as a sodium oleate |
a
According to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, purity criteria apply to the additive free of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids; however, these substances may be present up to a maximum level of 6% (expressed as sodium oleate).