emulsifier INS 470(ii)

Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids E470b

fatty acid derivative — Primarily natural or synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Magnesium fatty acid salts

CAS: 557-04-0

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids occurs naturally in Animal fats and Vegetable oils. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Approved for use at quantum satis (as much as needed for technical effect)

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

GRAS status; widely used in pharmaceuticals and food

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved for general food use

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

Magnesium salts of fatty acids formed by neutralizing fatty acids with magnesium. Commonly used as anti-caking agents and emulsifiers. Like E470a, these are essentially soap molecules but with magnesium instead of sodium or potassium.

Animal fatsVegetable oilsPalm oilCoconut oil

Manufacturing

Method: saponification or neutralization

Produced by neutralizing fatty acids (from animal or vegetable sources) with magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. The process is similar to traditional soap-making but yields magnesium salts instead.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetics and personal care products as emulsifiers

Medical

Very commonly used as a lubricant in tablet and capsule manufacturing to prevent sticking

Industrial

Lubricants and release agents in manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids (E470b)?

Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids (E470b) is a emulsifier used in food products. It is fatty acid derivative and natural or synthetic. Magnesium salts of fatty acids formed by neutralizing fatty acids with magnesium. Commonly used as anti-caking agents and emulsifiers. Like E470a, these are essentially soap molecules but with magnesium instead of sodium or potassium.

Where is Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids found naturally?

Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids is naturally found in Animal fats, Vegetable oils, Palm oil, Coconut oil. Magnesium salts of fatty acids formed by neutralizing fatty acids with magnesium. Commonly used as anti-caking agents and emulsifiers. Like E470a, these are essentially soap molecules but with magnesium instead of sodium or potassium.

What is the ADI for Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids is not specified as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids?

Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues, Confectionery, Food supplements. It is used as a emulsifier in these products.

Is Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids the same as Magnesium stearate?

Yes, Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids is also known as Magnesium stearate, Magnesium palmitate, Magnesium oleate. These are different names for the same substance.