# Alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy Poly(oxyethylene) Poly(oxypropylene) Poly(oxyethylene) (15 Mole Minimum) Blocked Copolymer, Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil Polymers

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977174-28-9
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

This is a complex polymeric surface-active agent derived from rapeseed oil, designed to modify surface properties in food applications. It functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer in processed foods where oil and water phases need to be maintained.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy Poly(oxyethylene) Poly(oxypropylene) Poly(oxyethylene) (15 Mole Minimum) Blocked Copolymer, Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil Polymers?

This additive is a synthetic polymeric surfactant created through chemical modification of low erucic acid rapeseed oil combined with polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene blocks. The complex name reflects its chemical structure: it contains alternating chains of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, with at least 15 moles of the repeating unit, attached to a rapeseed oil backbone. Low erucic acid rapeseed oil is specifically selected because erucic acid has been associated with cardiac concerns in animal studies, making the low-erucic variety preferable for food applications.

As a surface-active agent, this compound functions to reduce surface tension between immiscible liquids, allowing oil and water to mix more effectively in formulations that would otherwise separate. This property makes it valuable in creating stable emulsions and preventing ingredient separation during food storage and transport.

## Common Uses

This additive is employed in food manufacturing as an emulsifier and stabilizer in products requiring enhanced texture and shelf stability. Typical applications include processed foods where maintaining consistent product appearance and preventing phase separation is important. Due to its complex structure, it may be used in specialty food applications where conventional emulsifiers are insufficient.

The polymeric nature of this compound allows it to stabilize emulsions more effectively than smaller molecular weight surfactants, potentially reducing the quantity needed in finished products.

## Safety Assessment

No adverse events related to this specific additive have been reported to the FDA, and no recalls involving this substance have been documented. However, the lack of reported events does not necessarily indicate extensive safety testing.

As a food-contact polymer, safety considerations typically focus on whether the substance or its degradation products migrate into food at levels of concern. The polymeric structure of this compound suggests limited absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, as large polymer chains are generally not bioavailable. However, comprehensive toxicology data on this specific substance appears limited in publicly available scientific literature.

The use of low erucic acid rapeseed oil as the base material reflects food safety considerations, as high erucic acid oils have shown concerning effects in animal studies. This formulation choice demonstrates attention to known safety concerns.

## Regulatory Status

This additive has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA. This means it has not undergone the FDA's formal approval process for use as a direct food additive in the United States. Its legal status for food use may vary by country and regulatory jurisdiction. Manufacturers seeking to use this substance would need to comply with applicable regulations in their target markets.

The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates that formal regulatory approval through appropriate channels has not been completed in the United States.

## Key Studies

Publicly available peer-reviewed studies specifically investigating this particular polymer formulation appear limited. Safety evaluation of similar polymeric surfactants suggests that large molecular weight polymers typically have low systemic absorption. General toxicology data on polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene copolymers indicates these materials have generally low acute toxicity.

Further research characterizing this specific substance's stability under various pH and temperature conditions, potential degradation products, and long-term safety profile would strengthen the evidence base for its use in food applications.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy Poly(oxyethylene) Poly(oxypropylene) Poly(oxyethylene) (15 Mole Minimum) Blocked Copolymer, Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil Polymers — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-poly-oxyethylene-poly-oxypropylene-poly-oxyethylene-15-mole-minimum-blocked-copolymer-low-erucic-acid-rapeseed-oil-polymers. Accessed 2026-05-19.