What is E475?
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (E475) is an emulsifying food additive made from polyglycerol and fatty acids, used in specified food applications. Goodnessly rates E475 Safe, while food-category permissions and regulator conditions still apply.
An emulsifying food additive made from polyglycerol and fatty acids, used in specified food applications. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids?
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids is an emulsifying food additive made from polyglycerol and fatty acids, used in specified food applications. Its function depends on the formulation and the conditions attached to the permitted use.
What's it used for?
- Helping oil and water phases stay mixed
- Supporting texture and consistency
- Contributing to a stable formulation
- Working at permitted levels and in permitted food categories
Where you'll find E475 on the shelf
You may see E475 in packaged foods where its technical function is useful and the food category permits it.
Is E475 permitted? What the regulators say
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids is listed or permitted in the checked AU/NZ, EU and US frameworks with conditions. Permission is conditional: category, level, identity and specifications matter.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists the additive number in its food-additive materials; the permitted use, food category and conditions are set by the Food Standards Code. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The consolidated Union list includes the additive for specified categories and conditions, with specifications applying. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | 21 CFR 172.854 provides a US food-use pathway for polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, subject to the section’s conditions. [FDA source] |
Goodnessly rates E475 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA’s 2017 re-evaluation concluded that the additive was not a safety concern at reported uses and use levels and that there was no need for a numerical ADI.
- The European Commission later amended specifications for this additive in Regulation (EU) 2023/1329; specifications remain part of the permission.
- Regulatory permissions can change; confirm the primary source when a product or use is unusual.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing additive functions across products
- People checking the frequency of this ingredient in their usual foods
- People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern
Goodnessly rates E475 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids
- 475
- E475
- Additive class (475)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
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Frequently asked questions
What is E475?
E475 is Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, an emulsifying food additive made from polyglycerol and fatty acids, used in specified food applications.
Is E475 permitted?
E475 is listed or permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US sources checked for this draft.
What should I know about Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids?
EFSA’s 2017 opinion states that no numerical ADI was needed at reported uses and use levels.
How does Goodnessly rate E475?
Goodnessly rates E475 (Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids) as Safe within its rating system.
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