emulsifier INS 477

Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids E477

propylene glycol ester — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids

CAS: 1323-39-3

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?

Beyond food, Propylene Glycol Esters 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, Propylene Glycol 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 Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Approved for use at quantum satis in specified food categories

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

GRAS status for use in food

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved for general food use

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

25 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

25 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical esterification

Produced by reacting propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol) with fatty acids from vegetable oils or animal fats under controlled heating with catalysts.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetics and personal care products as emulsifier and moisturizer

Medical

Used in pharmaceutical formulations

Industrial

Used in industrial emulsions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids (E477)?

Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids (E477) is a emulsifier used in food products. It is propylene glycol ester and synthetic. Synthetic emulsifier created by esterifying propylene glycol with fatty acids. Used in a variety of food products for emulsification and texture modification.

What is the ADI for Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids is 25 mg/kg bw/day 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 Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids?

Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues, Confectionery, Cereals and cereal products. It is used as a emulsifier in these products.

Is Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids the same as Propylene glycol monostearate?

Yes, Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids is also known as Propylene glycol monostearate, PGMS, PG esters. These are different names for the same substance.