Commission Directive 2008/84/EC (repealed)Show full title

E 471 MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES OF FATTY ACIDS

Note: Purity criteria apply to the additive free of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids, however these substances may be present up to a maximum level of 6 % (expressed as sodium oleate).
Synonyms	Glyceryl monostearate
	Glyceryl monopalmitate
	Glyceryl monooleate, etc.
	Monostearin, monopalmitin, monoolein, etc.
	GMS (for glyceryl monostearate)
Definition	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids consist of mixtures of glycerol mono-, di- and triesters of fatty acids occurring in food oils and fats. They may contain small amounts of free fatty acids and glycerol
Assay	Content of mono- and diesters: not less than 70 %
Description	The product varies from a pale yellow to pale brown oily liquid to a white or slightly off-white hard waxy solid. The solids may be in the form of flakes, powders or small beads
Identification
A. Infrared spectrum	Characteristic of a partial fatty acid ester of a polyol
B. Positive tests for glycerol and for fatty acids
C. Solubility	Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol and toluene
Purity
Water content	Not more than 2 % (Karl Fischer method)
Acid value	Not more than 6
Free glycerol	Not more than 7 %
Polyglycerols	Not more than 4 % diglycerol and not more than 1 % higher polyglycerols both based on total glycerol content
Arsenic	Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead	Not more than 5 mg/kg
Mercury	Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium	Not more than 1 mg/kg
Heavy metals (as Pb)	Not more than 10 mg/kg
Total glycerol	Not less than 16 % and not more than 33 %
Sulphated ash	Not more than 0,5 % determined at 800 ± 25 oC