E472cAntioxidant · Emulsifier · Sequestrant · Stabiliser

Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

What the research shows

Prototype

Not enough

published research on this page yet

How we decide

Used in food as an antioxidant, emulsifier, sequestrant or stabiliser.

  • May not be vegan
  • May not be vegetarian
  • EU permitted

What research says

Study type not stated

  • No harm found

    additive use in baby formula1

    Experts looked at citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides in formula for babies under 16 weeks and found no safety concern.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.

Regulatory status

Checked Sep 2026

Status reflects the named register on the date checked. It is not a safety rating. A country appears here once we've found this ingredient on its official list.

How we check

Products

The 6 most-scanned of 59 products on Open Food Facts that list citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids.

  • Cream of asparagus with croutons Batchelors · 117 g 3 additives
  • Reduced Fat Brussels Pâté Aldi · 175 g 5 additives
  • Mini BN 4 additives
  • Iced & spiced fruited buns Marks And Spencer · 170 g 5 additives
  • Deluxe BRUSSELS PÂTÉ WITH CARAMELISED SHALLOTS A S Deluxe 11 additives
  • Reduced fat smooth brussels pâté Birchwood · 175 g 5 additives

References

  1. 1Castle L, Andreassen M, Aquilina G, et al. Re-evaluation of citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472c) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of its re-evaluation. EFSA J. 2025;23(1):e9202. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9202