E570: Fatty acids

What is E570?

Fatty acids (E570) are the building blocks of fats and oils. As an additive, the term mainly covers saturated fatty acids such as stearic and palmitic acid, which are waxy white solids at room temperature.

Origin and production

They are obtained by splitting edible fats and oils, which can be either vegetable, such as palm, soy or coconut oil, or animal fats such as tallow, and then separating and purifying the acids.

Why is it used?

They work as anti-caking agents, release agents, glazing agents and carriers, and are used in tablet and capsule manufacturing. In foods they appear in cakes, biscuits, pastries and chewing gum, and widely in dietary supplements.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Because E570 can be made from either plant or animal fats, its suitability for vegans, vegetarians and halal or kosher diets depends on the source, which only the manufacturer can confirm; certification is the most reliable guide.

Safety and regulation

E570 is authorised in the EU and was re-evaluated by EFSA, which did not identify safety concerns at reported uses. Fatty acids are also ordinary components of dietary fat.

Common in