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E1518Glazing agentLow concern
Triacetin
In plain words
The short version
Glycerol triacetate — a flavor solvent and the standard humectant in chewing gum.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe (EFSA 2018 re-evaluation). Hydrolyzed in digestion to glycerol and acetic acid, both normal dietary components.
The detail
Manufactured by esterifying glycerol (E422) with acetic acid (E260) or acetic anhydride. A natural minor component of butter and many fermented foods.
The standard humectant in chewing gum (keeps the gum base pliable), a flavor and color concentrate carrier solvent, and a plasticizer in pharmaceutical and food coatings. Slowly hydrolyzes in storage to release acetic acid — used at low levels to avoid sour notes.
Colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a slight fatty odor. Miscible with most organic solvents; modest water solubility (~6%).
Permitted globally with maximum-use limits per category.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Triacetin (INS 1518) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1975. ADI not specified; no safety concern as a flavouring
- 21 CFR 184.1901 — Triacetin (affirmed GRAS) — U.S. FDA / eCFR, 1989. US GRAS status; identity as glyceryl triacetate (humectant, solvent, flavouring adjuvant; chewing gum among listed foods)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2011. EU authorisation in chewing gum
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.