Table 3.
Specifications of citric acid esters of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472c) according to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 and JECFA (2020)
| Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 | (JECFA, 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Esters of glycerol with citric acid and fatty acids occurring in food oils and fats. They may contain small amounts of free glycerol, free fatty acids, free citric acid and free glycerides. They may be partially or wholly neutralised with sodium, potassium or calcium salts suitable for the purpose and authorised as food additives according to this Regulation | Consists of mixed esters of citric acid and edible fatty acids with glycerol. It is obtained by esterification of glycerol with citric acid and edible fatty acids, or by reaction of a mixture of mono‐ and diglycerides of edible fatty acids with citric acid. It may contain minor amounts of free fatty acids, free glycerol, free citric acid and mono‐ and diglycerides. The mono‐ and diglycerides may include either one or two edible fatty acids from C12:0 to C18:0, mainly palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids. It may also contain minor amounts of other fatty acids such as myristic (C14:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and arachidic acid (C20:4). It may be partially or wholly neutralised with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or by using sodium, potassium or calcium salts of weak acids such as acetic, lactic, propionic or carbonic acids |
| Description | Yellowish or light brown liquids to waxy solids or semi‐solids | White to ivory coloured, oily to waxy material |
| Identification | ||
| Test for glycerol | Passes test | Passes test |
| Test for fatty acids | Passes test | Passes test |
| Test for citric acid | Passes test | Passes test |
| Solubility | Insoluble in cold water, dispersible in hot water, soluble in oils and fats, insoluble in cold ethanol | Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and fats; insoluble in ethanol |
| Purity | ||
| Acids other than citric and fatty acids | Less than 1% | – |
| Free glycerol | Not more than 2% | Not more than 4% |
| Total glycerol | Not less than 8% and not more than 33% | 8–33% |
| Total citric acid | Not less than 13% and not more than 50% | 13–50% |
| Total fatty acid | – | 37–81% |
| Sulfated ash |
Non‐neutralised products: not more than 0.5% (800 ± 25°C) Partially or wholly neutralised products: not more than 10% (800 ± 25°C) |
Not neutralised products: not more than 0.5% Partially neutralised products: not more than 3% Wholly neutralised products: not more than 10% |
| Lead | Not more than 2 mg/kg | Not more than 2 mg/kg (Not more than 0.5 mg/kg for use in infant formula and formula for special medical purposes intended for infants) |
| Acid value | Not more than 130 | – |