LECITHIN
Prepared at the 41st JECFA (1993), published in FNP 52 Add 2 (1993) superseding specifications prepared at the 30th JECFA (1986), published in FNP 37 (1986) and FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 61st JECFA (2003). An ADI not limited' was established at
the 17th JECFA (1973)
SYNONYMS Phosphatides, phospholipids; INS No. 322(i)
DEFINITION Usually prepared from oil-bearing seeds used for food, especially soybeans; may also be prepared from animal sources; a complex mixture of acetone-insoluble phosphatides which consists chiefly of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl- ethanolamine, and phosphatidyl-inositol, combined with various amounts of other substances such as triglycerides, fatty acids, and carbohydrates; refined grades may contain any of these components in varying proportions and combinations depending on the type of fractionation used; its oil-free forms, the preponderance of triglycerides and fatty acids is removed and the product contains 90% or more of phosphatides representing all or certain fractions of the total phosphatide complex.
C.A.S. number 8002-43-5
Assay Not less than 60% of acetone-insoluble matter (phosphatides)
DESCRIPTION Consistency of both natural grades and refined grades may vary from plastic to fluid, depending upon free fatty acid and oil content, and upon the presence or absence of other diluents; from light yellow to brown, depending on the source, on crop variations, and on whether it is bleached or unbleached; odourless or has a characteristic, slight nut-like odour. Edible diluents, such as cocoa butter and vegetable oils, often replace soybean oil to improve functional and flavour characteristics.
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier, antioxidant
