POLYOXYETHYLENE (40) STEARATE
Prepared at the 17th JECFA (1973), published in FNP 4 (1978) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 55th JECFA (2000). An ADI of 0-25 mg/kg bw was established at the 17th JECFA (1973)
SYNONYMS Polyoxyl (40) stearate, polyoxyethylene (40) monostearate; INS No. 431
DEFINITION Consists of a mixture of the mono- and diesters of edible commercial stearic acid and mixed polyoxyethylene diols (having an average polymer length of about 40 oxyethylene units) together with free polyol.
DESCRIPTION Cream-coloured and exists as flakes or as a waxy solid at 25o with a faint odour
FUNCTIONAL USESEmulsifier
