Emulsifier · EU 494
Sorbitan Monooleate
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 Monooleate 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.
The verdict
Sorbitan Monooleate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 2/5
- Caution
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Sorbitan Monooleate: composite 2/5 (Caution) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 494 | 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 | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | 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 Sorbitan Monooleate?
Sorbitan Monooleate is a food additive (494) 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 Monooleate
Product-count (0) 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 Monooleate safe to consume?
Sorbitan Monooleate 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 Monooleate used for in food?
Sorbitan Monooleate 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 Sorbitan Monooleate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sorbitan Monooleate: 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.