E 471 Mono-and diglycerides of fatty acids

What is E 471?

E 471 is the E number of Mono-and diglycerides of fatty acids. One of the most common emulsifiers. It is made from vegetable oils such as palm, soya or rapeseed oil, or from animal fats, and is found in bread, margarine, ice cream and ready meals.

What is E 471 used for?

E 471 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as emulsifier, stabiliser.

• Emulsifier: Emulsifiers combine ingredients that would not otherwise mix, such as oil and water, and keep the mixture stable.
• Stabiliser: Stabilisers maintain the physical state of a food, such as an even mixture or colour.

Which foods may contain E 471?

According to the European Commission's database, E 471 may be used in 88 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 471 vegan?

Vegan depending on origin: may come from plant or animal raw materials. The label usually does not say which.

Is E 471 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 471 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Emulsifier: E 471" or "Emulsifier: Mono-and diglycerides of fatty acids".