E 471: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

E 471 makes creamy ice cream and bread crispy. Learn more about the properties and uses of the additive - and if it is questionable.

E 471: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

E 471 is the European approval number for food additives, which summarizes the mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. These substances, which are mainly used as emulsifiers, change the properties of food products in different ways depending on the category. Read all about the additive E 471 here.

Product Overview

E 471: Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

  • E 471 - what is it?

  • E 471 and genetic engineering

  • Where is E 471 used?

  • E 471- is it questionable?

E 471 - what is it?

This additive is basically a degradation product of triglycerides (fatty acids). It occurs naturally in the human organism. For use in the food industry, however, E 471 is produced chemically by means of glycerine and fatty acids. The fatty acids used for this are usually vegetable (eg soybean oil), but animal fats can be used. With warm water E 471 develops emulsifying properties, which are further enhanced by adding salts of fatty acids (E 470a).

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E 471 and genetic engineering

Genetically modified organisms may also be used in the production of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, mostly so-called GM soybeans. This is usually not indicated on the corresponding products, since it is not legally clear whether this must be done for additives that undergo several processing steps during production. In addition, it is hardly technically possible for an internationally traded commodity such as soybeans to strictly separate conventional and GM soybeans, which is why it must be assumed that GM soybeans may be present even in products declared as "GMO-free".

Where is E 471 used?

This additive is very widely used in the food industry. Fatty acid mono- and diglycerides are commonly used to mix fatty foods with water-containing ingredients that normally can not be combined, so it acts as an emulsifier. E 471 is commonly used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products.

For example, in baked goods, E 471 also refines the crumb structure and maintains the ability to bind water longer so that bread and co. Do not dry up so quickly and stale. Ice cream makes the additive smoother and melts more slowly, and the defoaming properties of this fabric are used in the production of jams and jellies.

In addition, E 471 is found among others in these foods:

  • Instant rice
  • sausages
  • Bakery products
  • Gels, jam, jam
  • cream products
  • chocolate products
  • Infant (follow) food

Mono- and diglycerols of fatty acids are also used for cosmetic products.

E 471- is it questionable?

This additive is considered harmless, he enters the fat metabolism. There is no ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value that sets the maximum level that is safe for the entire life of an adult. According to the principle of quantis satum, just as much E 471 may be used in the production of food products as is necessary to realize certain properties.

For sensitive people, this additive can trigger allergies. Although E 471 consists partly of saturated fatty acids, which are associated with an increased risk of various (cardiovascular) diseases, there is no scientific evidence that this applies to mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids.

Several food regulatory agencies see the substance as a common part of the human diet. If you want to do without genetic engineering and / or animal foods, products should be included E 471 but avoid it.
E 471: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

FAQ - 💬

❓ Is emulsifier 471 harmful?

👉 Does it pose any health risk? It has no known side effects and according Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, there was no ban on the use of emulsifying agents. It refers to mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate).

❓ Is emulsifier 471 Halal?

👉 If the ingredients state it then the E471 in this case is from soy fat. This means the fat is from a plant base. This would make the food product Halal if all other ingredients are Halal. You will find E471 being used in a range of foods.

❓ Is E471 vegan?

👉 E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, produced from glycerol (see E422) and natural fatty acids. Mainly from plant origin but animal fats may be used.

❓ Are mono- and diglycerides harmful?

👉 No harmful effects have been specifically associated with mono- or diglycerides. Comments: The mono- and diglycerides most likely to cause unwanted effects are those containing long-chain saturated fatty acids, especially stearic acid. Such compounds have been investigated in long-term animal studies.

❓ What is emulsifier 471 made from?

👉 E471 is mainly produced from vegetable oils (such as soybean), although animal fats are sometimes used and cannot be completely excluded as being present in the product. The fatty acids from each source are chemically identical.

❓ What is INS 471 made of?

👉 It is manufactured from glycerin and fatty acids and usually obtained from plant oils like coconut oil, soybean oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, olive oil or animal fats like tallow(beef fat) or lard(pig fat).

❓ What is E471 made up of?

👉 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) refers to a naturally occurring class of food additive composed of diglycerides and monoglycerides which is used as an emulsifier. It is also used as a fruit coating agent. This mixture is also sometimes referred to as partial glycerides.

❓ What does monoglycerides do to your body?

👉 Because it is a type of fat, a diet rich in monoglycerides is very likely to be associated with the same long-term risks as triglycerides and trans fats, including heart and circulation conditions.

❓ What is the meaning of E471?

👉 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) refers to a naturally occurring class of food additive composed of diglycerides and monoglycerides which is used as an emulsifier. It is also used as a fruit coating agent. This mixture is also sometimes referred to as partial glycerides.

❓ Does E471 contain egg?

👉 E471 - Mono and di-glycerides of fatty acids (sometimes derived from animal fats). Lecithin - May contain egg yolks. Can also be directly obtained from animal fat or soy. Vitamin - Likely animal based but may be plant based.

❓ Is E471 palm oil?

👉 Do you use palm Oil? Yes, our E471 is made from RSPO certified Palm Oil.


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