E494 - Sorbitan Mono-oleate
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Sorbitan monooleate is a thick oily substance, the color is mostly yellow, the smell is light. It dissolves well in warm alcohols and liquid hydrocarbons.
Characteristic
Sorbitan monooleate is a thick oily substance, the color is mostly yellow, the smell is light. It dissolves well in warm alcohols and liquid hydrocarbons, a dispersion is formed in warm water, it practically does not dissolve in cold water. The additive E 494 is obtained in a synthetic way by esterification of sorbitol with oleic acid and simultaneous formation of sorbitol anhydrides. Pure sorbitan monooleate may contain a small amount of impurities such as: free sorbitans, free fatty acids and their salts. The additive can also be obtained from products of animal origin.
Use
E 494 is used as a stabilizer, thickener and texturizer, binding agent in the production of concentrates for soft drinks such as: tea, fruit decoctions; for milk and cream substitutes, chewing gum, confectionery, sauces, fillings and glazes, bakery products, yeast, biologically active substances. Along with other sorbitans, it is used in food coloring. In the non-food industry it is used in the manufacture of medicines and cosmetics (massage oils, cleansing milk, etc.).
Impact on humans
The permissible daily dose of the substance is 25 mg / kg body weight. Sorbitan monooleate is broken down in the human body into sorbitan and oleic acid, which are completely absorbed. The additive is considered relatively safe for use in food products. It is not approved for use in many countries (Russia), and in some European countries (eg Germany) and Australia it is banned and laboratory tests are performed.
If the permissible amount is exceeded, allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) and gastrointestinal disorders are possible.