E481Emulsifier · Stabiliser

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate

What the research shows

Prototype

Not enough

published research on this page yet

1 health finding on this page so far · See the findings

Used in food as an emulsifier or stabiliser.

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

What research says

Studies in people

  • Concern

    Daily intake in children1

    In some children, eating sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate in bread and baked goods may add up to more than the recommended daily limit.

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.

How we check

Products

The 6 most-scanned of 7,277 products on Open Food Facts that list sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate.

  • Wholemeal Warburtons 5 additives
  • Original Toastie Soft & Sliced White Loaf Warburtons · 47.5 g 4 additives
  • Original Seeded Batch Warburtons · 800 g 5 additives
  • Protein Thin Bagels Warburtons · 4x60 g 7 additives
  • Wholemeal Bread Warburtons · 18 Slices, 800 g 5 additives
  • Soft White Medium Hovis · 800 g 5 additives

References

  1. 1Bel S, Struyf T, Fierens T, et al. Dietary exposure of the Belgian population to emulsifiers E481 (sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate) and E482 (calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate). Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2018;35(5):828-837. doi:10.1080/19440049.2018.1435911