Tag: Food emulsifiers

Polysorbate 60 is a food additive and emulsifier used to blend ingredients, but its source isn't always obvious. The key question, 'is polysorbate 60 vegetarian?', depends on whether the fatty acid component, stearic acid, is derived from plant or animal sources.

A Nutella jar contains only seven ingredients, and one of the most crucial for its texture is the emulsifier. But what is the emulsifier in Nutella, and why is this additive so important for the famous hazelnut and cocoa spread?

In 2024, a significant French observational study linked higher intakes of E471 to an increased risk of certain cancers, which has prompted many to question: is E471 harmful?. Despite regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA classifying it as safe for general consumption, emerging research suggests potential long-term health implications that consumers should be aware of.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), carboxymethylcellulose, or CMC, has long been categorized as 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS). However, recent scientific studies have raised concerns about its potential adverse effects on gut health and overall wellness.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), recent re-evaluations concluded that insufficient data exists to guarantee the safety of E466 in food for infants and young children. The question of whether the E466 food additive is safe for adults is complex, balancing widespread regulatory approval with recent scientific scrutiny and consumer concerns.

A safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that hydrogenated lecithin is safe for cosmetic use under specific conditions, addressing the common question, 'is hydrogenated lecithin safe?'. This stabilized form of lecithin is widely utilized as an emulsifier in various products, and understanding its nuanced safety profile requires examining its application and source.

The FDA considers sodium phosphates, including emulsifying salts 339, as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) when used within approved limits. These additives are ubiquitous in processed foods, serving a variety of functional purposes from improving texture to extending shelf life. However, the question of whether they are inherently 'good' or 'bad' is far more complex than a simple safety designation.

A 2024 French observational study highlighted concerning correlations between higher intake of the emulsifier E471 and an increased risk of certain cancers. This emerging research prompts a vital question: what are the side effects of E471, and how should consumers interpret the conflicting data surrounding its safety?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), mono- and diglycerides are considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food. This classification, however, doesn't tell the full story regarding their health implications and whether mono- and diglycerides are unhealthy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated calcium stearate as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) when used according to good manufacturing practices. Yet, some people still question if this common additive, found in everything from supplements to candy, is healthy or if there are any potential risks.