E570: Fatty Acids
Main role: coating and processing
Also listed as: stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid
What is E570 (Fatty Acids)?
E570 covers specified food fatty acids used for technical functions. Fatty acids also occur naturally within dietary fats, but an additive declaration describes their deliberate role in a particular formulation.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is coating and processing. 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
- Coating preparations
- Ingredient processing
- Tableted food supplements
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 E570, E 570, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The generic name does not establish whether the source is plant or animal. Ask the manufacturer about sourcing when vegan or other dietary requirements depend on it.
Is E570 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 E570 as 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.