Glyceryl Stearate Se
Glyceryl monostearate (a related compound, E 471) is widely permitted in food as an emulsifier with no safety concerns. The 'SE' (self-emulsifying) variant including alkali stearates is mainly used in cosmetics.
What it is
Glyceryl stearate self-emulsifying — glyceryl monostearate combined with a small amount of soap (e.g., sodium/potassium stearate).
Cosmetic emulsifier; food-grade glyceryl monostearate (E 471) is a permitted emulsifier — but the 'SE' grade is primarily cosmetic.
Why it's flagged
- typically a cosmetic, not food, ingredient
What regulators actually say
"Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids... GRAS as direct human food ingredient."
"The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels for E 471."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Glyceryl monostearate GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505); SE grade primarily cosmetic
European Union — EFSA
E 471 (mono- and diglycerides) re-evaluated; no safety concern
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