E570 · Fatty acids
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for 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 E570?
Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and oils, made of a carbon chain ending in a carboxyl group. As a food additive, they are used as emulsifiers, anti-foaming agents, and glazing/coating agents, and also appear in cosmetics and personal care products for texture. They can be derived from plant oils (e.g., palm, coconut, soy) or animal fats, so their dietary compatibility depends on the specific source, which is not always disclosed on labels.
Also appears on labels as: Fatty acids, E570, E 570, E-570, Natural fatty acids, Free fatty acids, Mixed fatty acids, Edible fatty acids, Acids (fatty), Aliphatic carboxylic acids, Long-chain fatty acids, Essential fatty acids.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- Source (plant vs. animal) is often unspecified on labels, which matters for allergen and dietary considerations.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of fatty acids (E 570) as a food additive — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA Journal (2022). The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of fatty acids (E 570) as a food additive. Fatty acids are naturally occurring components of fats and oils and are normal constituents of the human diet. The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for fatty acids (E 570) and there is no safety concern for the proposed uses and use levels.[safe]
- Comprehensive safety assessment of fatty acids (E 570) in food applications — European Food Safety Authority Scientific Panel, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2021). A comprehensive safety assessment of fatty acids (E 570) when used as food additives, including their metabolic fate and potential for adverse effects. Fatty acids are essential nutrients and normal dietary components. The assessment found no evidence of toxicity concerns when used as anti-caking agents and release agents in food products at current use levels.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E570 safe?
Our overall verdict for E570 (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 E570 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for 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 E570 and why is it used?
Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and oils, made of a carbon chain ending in a carboxyl group. As a food additive, they are used as emulsifiers, anti-foaming agents, and glazing/coating agents, and also appear in cosmetics and personal care products for texture. They can be derived from plant oils (e.g., palm, coconut, soy) or animal fats, so their dietary compatibility depends on the specific source, which is not always disclosed on labels.
Does E570 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Fatty acids, though some people report sensitivity (May be derived from soy or other allergenic plant oils in some products; check source if allergic.).
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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.