E431: Polyoxyethylene Stearate
Main role: emulsifying
Also listed as: polyoxyl stearate, polyoxyethylene (40) stearate
What is E431 (Polyoxyethylene Stearate)?
Polyoxyethylene stearate combines a fatty-acid component with polyoxyethylene groups. Its structure helps manage interactions between water and fat in the limited food applications covered by its authorization.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is emulsifying. Emulsifiers help ingredients mix or remain distributed. The recipe determines whether that means dispersing fat, improving dough handling, or controlling a coating. Their presence alone does not describe the food’s overall nutritional quality.
Food and formulation examples
- Specialized bakery formulations
- Fat-containing preparations
- Authorized emulsifier blends
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E431, E 431, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include polyoxyl stearate, polyoxyethylene (40) stearate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E431 is distinct from polysorbates E432 to E436. Check the exact E number before applying information about another polyoxyethylene emulsifier.
Is E431 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E431 as Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.