Content
Food additive E492 is a complex organic substance. It belongs to emulsifiers, but it is also used as a foaming agent or antifoam agent. The substance is a representative of sorbitants - esters known as SPEN (SPAN). It is used by domestic and foreign food manufacturers.
What is the additive E492
Sorbitan tristearate is a dietary supplement. The official commercial name is SPEN 65. In accordance with the European classification, the preservative is assigned the code E492.
According to its composition, sorbitan tristearate is an ester of organic origin. It consists of derivatives of sorbitol and impurities. The chemical formula of the substance is С60Н114О8.
The food supplement goes on sale in the form of a creamy or waxy mass, flakes, hard balls, powder. It does not dissolve in water, alcohols. Emulsification occurs in fats, oil, acetone. E492 can be dissolved in toluene and ether.
The food additive has a mild, neutral taste, and has a weak odor, typical of sorbitan tristearate. The color ranges from light cream to tan. The substance is resistant to high temperatures, acids.
Manufacturers pack SPEN-65 in plastic bags, cardboard drums, multi-layer kraft paper bags, plastic or aluminum barrels. Packing depends on the wishes of the buyer, there are no special requirements for packaging. It is possible to use polyethylene liners for additional protection.
What is sorbitan tristearate emulsifier made of?
The preservative E492 is manufactured industrially. To obtain a food additive, sorbitol is esterified with natural stearic acid, while its anhydrides are formed. When using this method, the product contains impurities of free fatty acids, sorbitans and salts.
This is not the only method of making an emulsifier. It is also possible to obtain it from animal products.
The food additive is not produced in Russia. It is supplied to the domestic market from factories in Denmark, Turkey, France, China, India.
What is the harm from adding E492
The effect of the emulsifier on the human body has not been studied enough. It is known that a food supplement is of no value to the body. Subject to the norms of use, it is not dangerous. After entering the digestive tract, E492 gradually breaks down into sorbitol and stearic acid, which are easily absorbed in the body.
There will be no harm from sorbitan tristearate if it is consumed in an amount of no more than 25 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day. If the recommendations are not followed, there is a risk of liver problems. It is believed that an overdose of SPEN 65 leads to a deterioration in the absorption of fats in the body. As a result, it is possible to develop tissue fibrosis, increase the size of the liver, and irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Dangerous or not food additive E492
Sorbitan tristearate is considered a safe preservative. The additive is included in the list of permitted in many states.You can use E492 in Russia, some countries of Asia, Europe. In Germany, the United States, the preservative is banned due to insufficient knowledge.
The substance becomes dangerous if the recommended doses are not followed. Abuse of foods that include E492 increases the burden on the digestive tract. Lipid metabolism disorders may occur.
A negative effect is observed when E492 gets on the skin; with increased sensitivity, irritation may appear.
Where and why is the food additive E492 added?
Sorbitan tristearate is used in the food industry as:
- binding agent;
- thickener;
- consistency stabilizer;
- glazer;
- antifoam;
- carrier filler.
It is used in combination with other substances to simplify the production of foods. Most often, the E492 food additive is used in the manufacture of sweets, which are made from cocoa substitutes with various fillings (praline fillings, whole nuts). When added to glazes or other decorative coatings, sorbitan increases their fluidity and prevents cracking.
A preservative is used as a crystallization stabilizer in the manufacture of margarine. To facilitate the process of "whipping" the mass is added to ice cream. The emulsifying properties of E492 are used to improve the consistency of sauces, cream, milk substitutes, and desserts made on a vegetable basis. A preservative is added to these products in an amount up to 5 g per 1 kg.
With the help of sorbitan tristearate, it is possible to reduce the viscosity of confectionery products, to prevent splashing of fats during the frying process. A preservative is added to baked goods and other flour products. It strengthens the gluten, improves the plasticity of the dough and increases the volume of products. In flour products, chocolates and dietary supplements, it is allowed to include up to 10 g of additives per 1 kg.
E492 is also used in the non-food industry. The additive is used in the manufacture of cosmetics - deodorants, creams. Sorbitan tristearate is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and emulsions intended for processing plants.
Conclusion
Food additive E492 is included in the list of permitted preservatives. But when using products that contain sorbitan tristearate, it is advisable to be careful. An overdose of this substance impairs the functioning of the liver and can lead to a violation of fat metabolism. But there is no evidence to support the negative effect of E492 on the body. In countries where the use of SPEN 65 has been banned, they are guided by the fact that the food additive has not been sufficiently studied.
