MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES
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 not limited' was established at the 17th JECFA (1973)
SYNONYMS Glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monooleate, etc; monostearin, monopalmitin, monoolein, etc.; GMS (for glyceryl
monostearate); INS No. 471
DEFINITION A mixture of mono- and diglyceryl esters of long chain, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that occur in food fats; contain not less than 30% of alpha-monoglycerides and may also contain other isomeric monoglycerides, as well as di- and triglycerides, free glycerol, free fatty acids, soap and moisture; usually manufactured by the glycerolysis of edible fats and oils, but may also be prepared by esterification of fatty acids with glycerol, with or without molecular distillation of the product.
Formula weight Glyceryl monostearate: 358.6
Glyceryl distearate: 625.0
These are two major components of commercial products
DESCRIPTION White or cream coloured hard fats of waxy appearance, plastic products or viscous liquids
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier
