E472C · Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides 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 E472C?
Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (CITREM) are emulsifiers made by reacting citric acid with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. They are used in margarine, cake mixes, dehydrated potato products, and non-dairy creamers to stabilize emulsions and improve texture, and they also have mild metal-chelating properties that help protect fats from oxidation. The fatty acid source can be plant or animal derived. They are considered safe for food use at typical levels.
Also appears on labels as: Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, Citric acid esters of mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, Citric esters of mono- and diglycerides, Mono- and diglycerides citric acid esters, Esters of citric acid with mono- and diglycerides, Citric acid esters of diglycerides, Citric acid esters of monoglycerides, Mixed citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, Citric acid diglyceride esters, Citric acid monoglyceride esters, Citric mono- and diglycerides.
What the evidence says
- Fatty acid source (plant or animal) is often unspecified, relevant for vegans, vegetarians, and religious diets.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Opinion on the re‐evaluation of citric acid esters of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472c) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA Journal (2025). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides an opinion on citric acid esters of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472c) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age. Citric acid esters of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472c) was re‐evaluated in 2020 by the FAF Panel along with other related esters (E 472a-f). The Panel concluded there is no safety concern for the general population.[safe]
- Food additive emulsifiers and the risk of type 2 diabetes — Sellem, L., Srour, B., Chazelas, E., et al., The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2024). Prospective cohort study examining associations between food additive emulsifiers (including E472c, E472d, E472e, E472f) and type 2 diabetes risk. The study found some associations between higher emulsifier intake and increased diabetes risk. However, the research emphasizes that these findings require replication in other populations and that mechanistic studies are needed to understand potential causal pathways.[caution]
Frequently asked questions
Is E472C safe?
Our overall verdict for E472C (Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides 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 E472C vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides 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 E472C and why is it used?
Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (CITREM) are emulsifiers made by reacting citric acid with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. They are used in margarine, cake mixes, dehydrated potato products, and non-dairy creamers to stabilize emulsions and improve texture, and they also have mild metal-chelating properties that help protect fats from oxidation. The fatty acid source can be plant or animal derived. They are considered safe for food use at typical levels.
Does E472C contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids.
Watch E472C
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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.