# Mono- And Diglycerides, Acetic Acid Esters And Sodium And Calcium Salts (E471)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E471
**CAS number:** 977093-26-7
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Mono- and diglycerides with acetic acid esters and their sodium/calcium salts are emulsifier compounds used to blend oil and water-based ingredients in processed foods. These additives help maintain product stability and texture in various food applications.

## 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 Mono- and Diglycerides, Acetic Acid Esters and Sodium and Calcium Salts?

Mono- and diglycerides are naturally derived compounds produced from fats and oils through hydrolysis. When combined with acetic acid esters and formulated with sodium or calcium salts, they function as emulsifier salts—substances that help stabilize mixtures of ingredients that normally don't blend well together, such as oil and water.

The acetic acid ester modification enhances the emulsifying properties of mono- and diglycerides, making them more effective at reducing interfacial tension between immiscible liquids. The sodium and calcium salt components provide additional functional benefits and help regulate pH in food formulations.

## Common Uses

This additive category is primarily used in processed foods where emulsification is essential for product quality. Common applications include:

- Baked goods and bread products
- Margarines and spreads
- Dairy products and ice cream
- Sauces and condiments
- Confectionery products
- Fat-based food systems requiring stability

The specific formulation with acetic acid esters makes this compound particularly useful in applications requiring enhanced emulsifying power and shelf-life stability.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero documented adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls involving it. This data suggests a favorable safety profile in actual food use.

Mono- and diglycerides are well-established food ingredients with a long history of use. The acetic acid component is a naturally occurring substance found in vinegar and is used in numerous food applications. The sodium and calcium salts are common mineral compounds used throughout the food industry.

The safety of structurally similar emulsifiers has been extensively evaluated by regulatory agencies. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed mono- and diglycerides and related compounds in numerous scientific opinions, generally affirming their safety at typical use levels.

As with many food additives, safety depends on consumption amounts. Regulatory agencies establish maximum use levels in different food categories to ensure safety margins well below any identified concern levels.

## Regulatory Status

This specific formulation (CAS Number 977093-26-7) does not have FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, which means it has not been formally affirmed through the GRAS notification process. However, lack of GRAS status does not indicate unsafe use—it primarily reflects regulatory approval pathways and the specific composition of the formulation.

Mono- and diglycerides and their derivatives are approved food additives in the United States, the European Union, and many other jurisdictions. The specific salts and ester modifications may be approved through different regulatory mechanisms depending on the jurisdiction.

In the European Union, similar emulsifier compounds are permitted under specific food additive regulations with designated E-numbers and specified maximum use levels by food category.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on mono- and diglycerides demonstrates their effectiveness as emulsifiers and their metabolic fate in the body. These compounds are readily hydrolyzed to glycerol and fatty acids during digestion, following the same metabolic pathways as naturally consumed fats and oils.

Studies on acetic acid esters indicate they are metabolized similarly to other acetylated compounds in food. The sodium and calcium components are essential minerals already present in the diet from numerous sources.

Regulatory agencies continue to monitor post-market surveillance data for all food additives. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls for this specific additive, combined with the favorable safety profile of its chemical components, supports its continued use in food applications where functionally necessary.

Consumers seeking more information about specific products containing this additive should consult product labels and manufacturer information, which list all ingredients and their functions.

## Brands using Mono- And Diglycerides, Acetic Acid Esters And Sodium And Calcium Salts

- Pringles (2 products)
- Brioche Pasquier (1 product)
- Gruma (1 product)
- Jif (1 product)
- La Laitière (1 product)
- Lilia (1 product)
- Tower Gate (1 product)

## 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. "Mono- And Diglycerides, Acetic Acid Esters And Sodium And Calcium Salts (E471) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/mono-and-diglycerides-acetic-acid-esters-and-sodium-and-calcium-salts. Accessed 2026-05-19.