E491 · Sorbitan monostearate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Sorbitan monostearate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E491?
Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitol and stearic acid used as an emulsifier and surfactant in food and cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize mixtures of oil and water, preventing separation in products such as baked goods, margarine, lotions, and creams. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA within regulated amounts, though the stearic acid component may be derived from animal or plant sources.
Also appears on labels as: Sorbitan monostearate, E491, E 491, E-491, INS 491, Span 60, Sorbitan stearate, Sorbitan monoester of stearic acid, Hexitol anhydride ester of stearic acid, Sorbitol anhydride monostearate, Stearic acid sorbitan ester, Sorbitan fatty acid ester.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- May cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals if consumed in large quantities.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of sorbitan monostearate (E 491), sorbitan tristearate (E 492), sorbitan monolaurate (E 493), sorbitan monooleate (E 494) and sorbitan monopalmitate (E 495) when used as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2017). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of sorbitan monostearate (E 491) and sorbitan tristearate (E 492) among other sorbitan esters when used as food additives. The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight per day for E 491, E 492 and E 495 singly or in combination. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E491 safe?
Our overall verdict for E491 (Sorbitan monostearate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E491 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sorbitan monostearate — 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 E491 and why is it used?
Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitol and stearic acid used as an emulsifier and surfactant in food and cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize mixtures of oil and water, preventing separation in products such as baked goods, margarine, lotions, and creams. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA within regulated amounts, though the stearic acid component may be derived from animal or plant sources.
Does E491 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sorbitan monostearate.
Watch E491
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Sorbitan monostearate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.