What is E472e?
Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol (E472e) are emulsifying ingredients used in specified food formulations. Goodnessly rates them Safe within its rating system, while regulatory use conditions still apply.
E472e is a group of emulsifiers, often called DATEM, used to support mixing and dough or product structure in permitted foods.
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What is Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol?
E472e contains diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. The ingredients help oil and water phases work together and can support texture.
What's it used for?
- Helping oil and water phases mix
- Supporting dough structure
- Improving texture and consistency
- Dispersing selected ingredients
Where you'll find E472e on the shelf
It is most relevant to bread, bakery foods, confectionery and other emulsified formulations.
Is E472e permitted? What the regulators say
E472e is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with identity, purity, category and good manufacturing practice conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol as additive 472e; Schedule 15 conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E472e for specified categories, with conditions and specifications under the applicable regulations. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 184.1101 affirms diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides as GRAS for specified technical functions under current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E472e Safe in its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or the full formulation.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 472e.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 cover E472e and specifications.
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1101 covers diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who want to understand emulsifiers in bakery foods
- People comparing dough conditioners and texture systems
- People checking the full formulation rather than a single ingredient
Goodnessly rates E472e Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol
- DATEM
- 472e or E472e
- Emulsifier (472e)
The label may use the full name, DATEM, E472e/472e or the functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E472e?
E472e is diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol, an emulsifier used in specified food formulations.
Is E472e permitted?
E472e is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use conditions still matter.
Why is E472e rated Safe?
Goodnessly rates E472e Safe within its rating system, while the regulatory category and use conditions still matter.
How does Goodnessly rate E472e?
Goodnessly rates E472e (diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol) as Safe.
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