Emulsifier · EU 493
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, Sorbitan Monolaurate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 2 out of 5 (Caution), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #409 of 417.
- #409 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Sorbitan Monolaurate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #409 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (0th percentile).
- 2/5
- Caution
- Approved
- FDA status
- #409 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Sorbitan Monolaurate: composite 2/5 (Caution) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 493 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 1 | 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 Sorbitan Monolaurate?
Sorbitan Monolaurate is a food additive (493) classified as emulsifier.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Re‐evaluation of sorbitan monostearate -E 491-, sorbitan tristearate -E 492-, sorbitan monolaurate -E 493-, sorbitan monooleate -E 494- and sorbitan m. EFSA overexposure risk: high. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Sorbitan Monolaurate
Product-count (1) and safety-score (2/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 2/5 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 Sorbitan Monolaurate safe to consume?
Sorbitan Monolaurate scores 2/5 (Caution). FDA status is Approved. Peer-reviewed flags sit behind the caution band. Check with a clinician for personal use.
What is Sorbitan Monolaurate used for in food?
Sorbitan Monolaurate is commonly used as: Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream. It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
Where does Sorbitan Monolaurate sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #409 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Sorbitan Monolaurate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sorbitan Monolaurate: EFSA evaluation: Re‐evaluation of sorbitan monostearate -E 491-, sorbitan tristearate -E 492-, sorbitan monolaurate -E 493-, sorbitan monooleate -E 494- and sorbitan m. EFSA overexposure risk: high. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.