E470A · Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E470A?
These are salts formed by combining fatty acids with sodium, potassium, or calcium, and are used in food as emulsifiers and anti-caking agents. They help blend fat and water-based ingredients and prevent clumping in products like powdered foods, confectionery, and some dairy items. The fatty acids used can come from either plant oils or animal fat, so the exact source is not always disclosed on labels. They are considered safe for consumption at typical usage levels.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium salts of fatty acids, Potassium salts of fatty acids, Calcium salts of fatty acids, Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids, Salts of fatty acids (sodium, potassium, calcium), Fatty acid salts, Soap of fatty acids, Sodium soap of fatty acids, Potassium soap of fatty acids, Calcium soap of fatty acids, Metallic soaps of fatty acids, Fatty acids, sodium salts.
What the evidence says
- Source of the fatty acid (plant vs. animal) is often not specified, which is relevant for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (E 470a) and magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (E 470a) and magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these substances are used as food additives at the reported uses and concentrations.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E470A safe?
Our overall verdict for E470A (Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E470A vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E470A and why is it used?
These are salts formed by combining fatty acids with sodium, potassium, or calcium, and are used in food as emulsifiers and anti-caking agents. They help blend fat and water-based ingredients and prevent clumping in products like powdered foods, confectionery, and some dairy items. The fatty acids used can come from either plant oils or animal fat, so the exact source is not always disclosed on labels. They are considered safe for consumption at typical usage levels.
Does E470A contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids.
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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.