Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids E473
sugar ester — Primarily synthetic.
Sucrose fatty acid esters
CAS: 37318-31-3
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?
Beyond food, Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
In the EU, Sucrose Esters 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 for use at quantum satis in specified food categories
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
GRAS status for use in food
Japan (MHLW)
Approved for general food use; widely used in Japan
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Produced by reacting sucrose with fatty acids (from vegetable oils or animal fats) in the presence of organic solvents and catalysts. The degree of esterification can be controlled to produce different functional properties.
Applications Beyond Food
Widely used in cosmetics and skincare as gentle emulsifiers
Used in pharmaceutical formulations as emulsifiers
Used in industrial applications as surfactants
Found in some household cleaning products