E476 · Polyglycerol polyricinoleate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Polyglycerol polyricinoleate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E476?
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier derived from castor oil and glycerol, used primarily in chocolate and chocolate-flavored coatings. It reduces viscosity and yield stress, allowing manufacturers to use less cocoa butter while keeping chocolate flowing smoothly during production. It is also used in some margarines and low-fat spreads to help stabilize water droplets. PGPR is considered safe for food use within the levels permitted by regulators.
Also appears on labels as: Polyglycerol polyricinoleate, PGPR, Polyglycerol polyricinoleic acid, Polyricinoleate polyglycerol, Polyglycerol ricinoleate, E476, E 476, E-476, Emulsifier PGPR, Food grade PGPR, Polyglycerol polyricinoleate emulsifier, Poliglicerolio poliricinoleatas.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels; regulatory bodies have set an acceptable daily intake.
- Very high intakes have been associated with mild digestive effects in animal studies, though typical dietary exposure is well below these levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Re-evaluation of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E 476) as a food additive — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2017). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR, E 476) as a food additive. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E 476) is used as a food additive at the reported uses and concentrations.[safe]
- Follow‐up of the re‐evaluation of polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (E 475) and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E 476) — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA Journal (2022). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF Panel) was requested to assess data provided in support of amendments to EU specifications for polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (E 475) and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E 476). The Panel confirmed the previous safety assessments and concluded that the proposed amendments do not raise safety concerns.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E476 safe?
Our overall verdict for E476 (Polyglycerol polyricinoleate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E476 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Polyglycerol polyricinoleate — 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 E476 and why is it used?
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier derived from castor oil and glycerol, used primarily in chocolate and chocolate-flavored coatings. It reduces viscosity and yield stress, allowing manufacturers to use less cocoa butter while keeping chocolate flowing smoothly during production. It is also used in some margarines and low-fat spreads to help stabilize water droplets. PGPR is considered safe for food use within the levels permitted by regulators.
Does E476 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Polyglycerol polyricinoleate.
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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.