What is E 482?
E 482 is the E number of Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate. Emulsifier made from fatty acids and lactic acid, used mainly in baked goods.
What is E 482 used for?
E 482 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as emulsifier, flour treatment agent.
- Emulsifier: Emulsifiers combine ingredients that would not otherwise mix, such as oil and water, and keep the mixture stable.
- Flour treatment agent: Flour treatment agents improve the baking quality of flour or dough.
Which foods may contain E 482?
According to the European Commission's database, E 482 may be used in 21 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
- Fruit and vegetables
- Confectionery
- Cereals and cereal products
- Bakery wares
- Meat
- Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
- Beverages
- Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
- Desserts
- Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17
Is E 482 vegan?
Vegan depending on origin: may come from plant or animal raw materials. The label usually does not say which.
Is E 482 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 482 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 482" or "Emulsifier: Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate".
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated version of 18.08.2026, Annexes I and II, EUR-Lex
- Food Additives Database, European Commission (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed, EUR-Lex