E442 · Ammonium phosphatides
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Ammonium phosphatides yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E442?
Ammonium phosphatides are synthetic emulsifiers derived from rapeseed oil, used mainly in chocolate and cocoa-based coatings as a lower-cost alternative to lecithin to reduce viscosity and improve flow during manufacturing. They help ingredients blend smoothly and are used only in small, regulated amounts. Both the FDA and EFSA permit their use in chocolate products within set limits.
Also appears on labels as: Ammonium phosphatides, E442, E 442, E-442, Ammonium salts of phosphorylated glycerides, Phosphated mono- and diglycerides with ammonium, Ammonium salt of phosphatidic acid, Ammonium lecithin alternative, Phosphated ammonium glycerides, Ammonium phosphatidates, INS 442, Food emulsifier E442.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels used in chocolate manufacturing.
Research behind the verdict
- Re-evaluation of ammonium phosphatides (E 442) as a food additive — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2016). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of ammonium phosphatides (E 442) as a food additive. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when ammonium phosphatides (E 442) are used as a food additive at the reported uses and use levels.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E442 safe?
Our overall verdict for E442 (Ammonium phosphatides) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E442 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ammonium phosphatides — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E442 and why is it used?
Ammonium phosphatides are synthetic emulsifiers derived from rapeseed oil, used mainly in chocolate and cocoa-based coatings as a lower-cost alternative to lecithin to reduce viscosity and improve flow during manufacturing. They help ingredients blend smoothly and are used only in small, regulated amounts. Both the FDA and EFSA permit their use in chocolate products within set limits.
Does E442 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ammonium phosphatides.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.