# Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids (E475)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E475
**CAS number:** 977050-69-3
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are synthetic emulsifiers derived from glycerol and fatty acids, widely used in food manufacturing to blend oil and water-based ingredients. These versatile additives help stabilize, thicken, and improve the texture of processed foods while maintaining product shelf stability.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids?

Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (PGEF) are synthetic compounds created through the esterification of polyglycerol with fatty acids. They belong to a class of food emulsifiers—substances that help combine ingredients that normally don't mix well, such as oil and water. The molecular structure of PGEF allows one end of the molecule to be hydrophilic (water-loving) and the other hydrophobic (fat-loving), making them effective at reducing the surface tension between incompatible ingredients. These compounds are produced through controlled chemical synthesis and are FDA-designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

## Common Uses

Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are utilized across numerous food categories to improve product quality and stability. Common applications include:

- **Baked goods**: Used as dough conditioning agents and emulsifiers to improve texture and volume
- **Confectionery**: Added to chocolate, candy, and other sweets to enhance smoothness and prevent fat bloom
- **Dairy products**: Employed in ice cream, yogurt, and cheese products to improve consistency and mouthfeel
- **Beverages**: Used in flavored drinks and nutritional beverages to prevent ingredient separation
- **Salad dressings and sauces**: Help maintain uniform texture and prevent oil-water separation
- **Margarine and spreads**: Function as primary emulsifiers in these products
- **Processed meats**: Added to improve texture and water retention

The versatility of PGEF stems from its multifunctional properties: it serves not only as an emulsifier but also as a stabilizer, thickener, and surface-active agent, reducing the need for multiple additives.

## Safety Assessment

Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids have demonstrated a strong safety profile in food applications. The FDA has classified this additive as GRAS, meaning it is recognized as safe for consumption based on a history of safe use or scientific evidence. As of current records, there have been zero reported adverse events linked to this additive in the FDA database, and no recalls have been associated with its use. This clean safety record reflects decades of established use in food manufacturing without documented safety concerns.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) similarly permits the use of polyglycerol esters of fatty acids in food products within the European Union, with specific authorized uses and maximum levels established. The additive is metabolized by the body similarly to naturally occurring fats and glycerol, limiting potential bioaccumulation concerns.

Typical dietary exposure to PGEF is generally low, as it is used in relatively small concentrations in food products—typically between 0.1% and 2% depending on the application. This limited exposure further supports its safety profile.

## Regulatory Status

Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are approved for use in numerous countries and regions:

- **United States**: FDA-approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
- **European Union**: Approved as food additive E475 under EU Regulation 1333/2008
- **Canada**: Permitted as a food additive under Health Canada's Food and Drugs Act
- **Australia/New Zealand**: Approved under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- **Japan**: Permitted for use in various food categories

The widespread regulatory approval across major food regulatory bodies indicates substantial confidence in the safety and utility of this additive.

## Key Studies

While polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are not as extensively studied as some older additives, available research supports their safety profile:

- Safety evaluations conducted for regulatory approvals consistently demonstrated no adverse effects at consumption levels significantly higher than typical dietary exposure
- Metabolic studies confirm that PGEF is broken down into glycerol and fatty acids—both normal dietary components—during digestion
- Long-term feeding studies in animal models did not reveal toxicological concerns at relevant doses
- The FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has reviewed polyglycerol esters and established acceptable intake levels

The absence of adverse event reports in regulatory databases, combined with established approval pathways and underlying chemistry knowledge, provides reasonable assurance of safety for typical dietary exposure levels.

## Brands using Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids

- Bimbo (10 products)
- Nongshim (9 products)
- Mission Foods Inc (2 products)
- Nissin (2 products)
- bimbo (2 products)
- Confiserie Firenze (1 product)
- Friendly Ice Cream Corp. (1 product)
- Little Bites (1 product)
- Mackays (1 product)
- McVitie's (1 product)
- Mission (1 product)
- NONGSHIM (1 product)
- Pepperidge Farm (1 product)
- Samyang (1 product)
- Sunfeast (1 product)
- TESCO finest (1 product)
- Tesco (1 product)
- Toufayan Bakery Inc (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. "Polyglycerol Esters Of Fatty Acids (E475) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/polyglycerol-esters-of-fatty-acids. Accessed 2026-05-20.