E472a: Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides
Main role: emulsifying and texture control
Also listed as: ACETEM, acetylated monoglycerides
What is E472a (Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides)?
E472a combines mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids with acetic-acid-derived groups. It belongs to a series of related emulsifiers whose acid components influence their food-processing properties.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is emulsifying and texture control. 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
- Bakery emulsifier blends
- Coatings
- Fat-containing preparations
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 E472a, E 472a, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ACETEM, acetylated monoglycerides. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
ACETEM and DATEM are separate ingredients. The shared mono- and diglyceride origin does not mean they perform identically in dough or coatings.
Is E472a 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 E472a as Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. 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.