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E478EmulsifierLow concern
Lactic and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol and Propylene Glycol
In plain words
The short version
A mixed propylene-glycol / glycerol lactated ester — a whipping aid in cake batters and instant desserts.
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 of 25 mg/kg body weight. Hydrolyzed in digestion to fatty acids, glycerol, propylene glycol, and lactic acid — all normal dietary components.
The detail
Manufactured by esterifying lactic acid and fatty acids with a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The mixed-polyol structure provides intermediate solubility and a fine, stable foam in whipped systems.
Used as a whipping aid in cake batters, instant whipped toppings, and imitation cream — stabilizes the air bubbles. Less common than the other lactated MDG (E472b) but used where the propylene-glycol fraction is wanted for solubility.
Off-white waxy solid or paste. Disperses in warm water and oils.
Not on the EU list of authorised food additives. In the US it is permitted as an emulsifier, plasticizer or surface-active agent in food, in amounts no greater than needed for the intended effect (21 CFR 172.850).
Sources
- 21 CFR 172.850 — Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol (CFR 2025 edition, govinfo) — U.S. Government Publishing Office / FDA, 2025. US permission, limited by good manufacturing practice rather than numeric limits
- FDA Substances Added to Food inventory — Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. US listing and technical effects
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.