Polioksietilen -20-sorbitan tri stearat

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

Also known as polysorbate 65. The EU specification defines it as 'a mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides with edible commercial stearic acid, condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol and its anhydrides'. The oxyethylene group content is not less than 46 percent (Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, E 436). At room temperature it is a tan-coloured waxy solid.

Where it is used

It is used as an emulsifier and antifoaming agent. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 it is authorised within the E 432-436 'polysorbates' group with numerical maximum levels, and its use as an antifoaming agent has additionally been permitted at low levels in certain beverage categories. The Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives follows the same list.

Health note

In EFSA's group assessment the group acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight per day was maintained for E 432 to E 436 (EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4152).

Halal assessment

The decisive point is the origin of the stearic acid. The EU specification says only 'edible commercial stearic acid' and imposes no restriction to vegetable or animal sources. Since stearic acid can be obtained in the food industry from both vegetable and animal fats, unless the source is documented it should be treated as source dependent; consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.