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E472fEmulsifierLow concern
Mixed Acetic and Tartaric Esters of MDG
In plain words
The short version
A combined acetic-tartaric MDG — a bread-improver emulsifier blending the strengths of E472a and E472d.
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
EFSA (2020) set an ADI of 600 mg/kg body weight per day for E 472e and E 472f, based on the group ADI for tartaric acid and tartrates. JECFA allocated an ADI of 0–50 mg/kg body weight for diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol, which covers INS 472e and 472f. Hydrolyzed in digestion to fatty acids, glycerol, acetic acid, and tartaric acid — all normal dietary components.
The detail
Manufactured by simultaneous esterification of mono- and diglycerides with both acetic acid and tartaric acid. The mixed product combines the plasticizing effect of acetic ester groups with the dough-strengthening effect of tartrate groups.
Used in industrial bread, rolls, and buns as a single-ingredient bread improver — replaces the need to dose acetic-MDG and DATEM separately. Provides crumb softness and aerated structure in one ingredient.
Off-white waxy solid. Disperses in warm water and oils. Stable in storage.
In the EU it is a Group I additive, and wherever it is permitted it is listed at quantum satis (no numerical maximum level).
Sources
- EFSA FAF Panel — Re-evaluation of acetic, lactic, citric, tartaric, mono- and diacetyltartaric, mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472a–f) (EFSA Journal 2020;18(3):6032) — European Food Safety Authority, 2020. EFSA ADI of 600 mg/kg bw per day for E 472e,f
- JECFA — Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol (INS 472e, f), evaluation 2003 — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 2003. JECFA ADI 0–50 mg/kg bw covering INS 472f
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives, Part C Group I — Publications Office of the European Union, 2011. EU: Group I additive at quantum satis
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.