E472e: Mono- and Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides
Main role: dough strengthening
Also listed as: DATEM, diacetyl tartaric acid esters
What is E472e (Mono- and Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides)?
DATEM is an emulsifier used to improve dough handling and structure. Its name describes tartaric-acid-derived esters of mono- and diglycerides, which help a recipe manage interactions among flour, water, and fat.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is dough strengthening. 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
- Bread
- Buns
- Bakery dough improvers
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 E472e, E 472e, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include DATEM, diacetyl tartaric acid esters. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
DATEM is not a gluten-free marker: it can appear in ordinary wheat bread. If avoiding gluten, use the allergen declaration and a suitable certified claim rather than the emulsifier name.
Is E472e 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 E472e as Mono- and diacetyl tartaric 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.