E 470a Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids

What is E 470a?

E 470a is the E number of Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids. Salts of fatty acids from vegetable or animal fats. They serve as emulsifiers and anti-caking agents.

What is E 470a used for?

E 470a belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as emulsifier, anti-caking agent.

• Emulsifier: Emulsifiers combine ingredients that would not otherwise mix, such as oil and water, and keep the mixture stable.
• Anti-caking agent: Anti-caking agents stop particles of a food from sticking together or forming lumps.

Which foods may contain E 470a?

According to the European Commission's database, E 470a may be used in 70 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 470a vegan?

Vegan depending on origin: may come from plant or animal raw materials. The label usually does not say which.

Is E 470a linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 470a appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Emulsifier: E 470a" or "Emulsifier: Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids".