E494 · Sorbitan monooleate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Sorbitan monooleate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E494?
Sorbitan monooleate is an ester of sorbitol and oleic acid used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. It helps oil and water blend and stay mixed, improving the stability of lotions, creams, and food dressings, and also acts as a dispersing agent. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA within regulated limits; the oleic acid may be sourced from plant oils or animal fat.
Also appears on labels as: Sorbitan monooleate, Span 80, E494, E 494, E-494, INS 494, Monooleate of sorbitan, Sorbitol monooleate, Oleic acid ester of sorbitan, Sorbitan ester of oleic acid, Non-ionic surfactant E494, Emulsifier E494.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Safety evaluation of sorbitan esters used as food emulsifiers — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO Technical Report Series (2015). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of sorbitan monolaurate (E 493) and sorbitan monooleate (E 494) as food additives. The committee established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight for these sorbitan esters. No adverse effects were observed in toxicological studies at the levels of use as food additives.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E494 safe?
Our overall verdict for E494 (Sorbitan monooleate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E494 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sorbitan monooleate — 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 E494 and why is it used?
Sorbitan monooleate is an ester of sorbitol and oleic acid used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. It helps oil and water blend and stay mixed, improving the stability of lotions, creams, and food dressings, and also acts as a dispersing agent. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA within regulated limits; the oleic acid may be sourced from plant oils or animal fat.
Does E494 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sorbitan monooleate.
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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.