POLYGLYCEROL ESTERS of FATTY ACIDS
Prepared at the 35th JECFA (1989), published in FNP 49 (1990) and in FNP 52 (1992) superseding specifications prepared at the 27th JECFA
(1983), published in FNP 28 (1983). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 55th JECFA (2000). An ADI of 0-25 mg/kg bw was
established at the 35th JECFA (1989)
SYNONYMS Polyglycerol fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters; INS No. 475
DEFINITION Mixed partial esters formed by reacting polymerized glycerols with edible fats, oils, or fatty acids; minor amounts of mono-, di-, and triglycerides, free glycerol and polyglycerols, free fatty acids, and sodium salts of fatty acids may be present; degree of polymerization varies, and is specified by a number (such as tri-) that is related to the average number of glycerol residues per polyglycerol molecule. A specified polyglycerol consists of a distribution of molecular species characteristic of its nominal degree of polymerization. By varying the proportions as well as the nature of the fats or fatty acids to be reacted with the polyglycerols, a large and diverse class of products may be obtained.
The article of commerce may be further specified as to saponification value, solidification point of the free fatty acids, iodine value, hydroxyl value and ash content.
DESCRIPTION Light yellow to amber, oily to very viscous liquids; light tan to medium brown, plastic or soft solids; and light tan to brown, hard, waxy solids
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier
