Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate
Also known as: E431, Polyoxyl (40) stearate
EFSA (re-evaluation) sets ADI for polyoxyethylene stearates. EU permits limited use only in special-use products.
What it is
Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate (PEG-40 stearate) is a non-ionic emulsifier made by ethoxylating stearic acid.
Emulsifier and dispersing agent.
Why it's flagged
- Authorized only for limited categories in EU; not authorized in many food categories
What regulators actually say
"Re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene (8) stearate (E 430) and polyoxyethylene (40) stearate (E 431) as food additives: the Panel established a group ADI of 25 mg/kg bw per day expressed as the sum of E 430 and E 431."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
21 CFR 172.832 permits polyoxyethylene (40) stearate as a direct food additive in specified products at limited levels
European Union — EFSA
E431; ADI established by JECFA/EFSA at 25 mg/kg bw per day for the group
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