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Sorbitan Distearate

Low concern

Sorbitan esters of stearic acid (E491 sorbitan monostearate, E492 sorbitan tristearate) are authorized food emulsifiers with established ADIs. Sorbitan distearate is part of this family and has similar low-toxicity profile.

Found in

6 products

What it is

A diester of sorbitol and stearic acid; non-ionic surfactant in the sorbitan ester family (related to E491-E495).

Emulsifier and stabilizer.

Why it's flagged

mild laxative effect at very high doses (sorbitol-based)

What regulators actually say

"Sorbitan monostearate may be safely used in food in accordance with the conditions prescribed."

21 CFR 172.842 — law.cornell.edu

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Sorbitan monostearate approved (21 CFR 172.842); sorbitan tristearate approved (21 CFR 172.836).

European Union — EFSA

E491 and E492 authorized food additives with ADI 25 mg/kg bw.

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