E482 · Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E482?
Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate is an emulsifier and stabilizer made from stearic acid and lactic acid. It helps blend oil and water in foods like baked goods, margarine, and dairy products, improving texture and shelf life. It is also used in cosmetics to give creams and lotions a smoother consistency. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA for use within specified limits.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate, Calcium stearoyl lactate, Stearoyl-2-lactate calcium salt, Calcium lactyl stearate, E482, E 482, E-482, Food emulsifier calcium stearoyl-2-lactate, Calcium stearyl-2-lactate, Calcium stearoyl lactate emulsifier, Stearyl lactate calcium, Calcium lactate stearate.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- May have a mild laxative effect if consumed in very large amounts, similar to other stearate/lactate emulsifiers.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate (E 481) and calcium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate (E 482) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2013). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 481, SSL) and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 482, CSL) when used as food additives. An Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 20 mg/kg bw/day for SSL and CSL (either singly or in combination) was established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern.[safe]
- Statement on the exposure assessment of sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2013). The Scientific Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) carried out an exposure assessment of sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 481) and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 482) as food additives, including extension of uses to emulsified cooked meat products. The combined exposure to both substances was found to be within acceptable limits based on the established ADI of 20 mg/kg bw/day.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E482 safe?
Our overall verdict for E482 (Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E482 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate — vegan: no, vegetarian: yes, 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 E482 and why is it used?
Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate is an emulsifier and stabilizer made from stearic acid and lactic acid. It helps blend oil and water in foods like baked goods, margarine, and dairy products, improving texture and shelf life. It is also used in cosmetics to give creams and lotions a smoother consistency. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA for use within specified limits.
Does E482 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium stearoyl-2-lactate.
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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.