Emulsifier · EU 432
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate: composite 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 432 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 25 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate?
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate is a food additive (432) classified as emulsifier.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate -E 432-, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate -E 433-, polyoxyethylene . EFSA overexposure risk: moderate. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
Product-count (0) and safety-score (3/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 3/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate safe to consume?
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is Approved. The mixed-evidence band means federal approval and remaining open questions coexist, read the health-concern and state-action rows before treating the score as a green light.
What is Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate used for in food?
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate is commonly used as: Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream. It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
What health concerns are associated with Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate -E 432-, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate -E 433-, polyoxyethylene . EFSA overexposure risk: moderate. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.