SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE
Overview
Chemical Names
Mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides with edible stearic acid
CAS number
1338-41-6
INS
491
Functional Class
Food Additives
EMULSIFIER
EMULSIFIER
INS matches
491
Evaluations
Evaluation year: 2026
ADI:Temporary group ADI of 0-25 mg/kg bw as total polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan esters
ADI:
Temporary group ADI of 0-25 mg/kg bw as total polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan esters
Comments:
The previous JECFA derived a group ADI of 0–25 mg/kg bw for the sum of sorbitan fatty acid esters (INS No. 491–495), based on the NOAEL of 2500 mg/kg bw per day and applying an uncertainty factor of 100. However, the genotoxicity studies available to the current JECFA provided an indication of the clastogenic effects of sorbitan monostearate, requiring further investigation. In the absence of the additional data that were available to EFSA, JECFA was not able to conclude on the potential for genotoxicity and withdrew the group ADI of 0–25 mg/kg bw, establishing a temporary group ADI of 0–25 mg/kg bw.
Intake:
The highest dietary exposure estimate of 24 mg/kg bw per day for the sum of sorbitan esters of fatty acids using reported use levels is below the temporary group ADI of 0–25 mg/kg bw. However, use levels for the sum of the five individual sorbitan esters of fatty acids were not considered for important food categories such as water-based flavoured drinks (carbonated, non-carbonated and concentrates), soybean-based beverages, dry and precooked pasta, or eggs and egg-based desserts because they were not available to JECFA. JECFA therefore concluded that the highest exposure estimates, which are based on data from the EU, could be underestimated relative to exposure based on GSFA permissions.
Meeting:
102
Specs Code:
T
Evaluation year: 2020
ADI:
0-25 mg/kg bw
Comments:
Considered for specification only. Group ADI. As the sum of the sorbitan esters of lauric, oleic, palmitic and stearic acid.
Meeting:
89
Specs Code:
No specifications were prepared. Information is required to prepare specifications
Report:
Tox Monograph:
Specification:
Evaluation year: 1973
ADI:
0-25 mg/kg bw
Comments:
Group ADI. As the sum of the sorbitan esters of lauric, oleic, palmitic and stearic acid
Meeting:
17
Specs Code:
R
Report:
Tox Monograph:
Specification:
Previous Years:
1973, FAS 5/NMRS 53A-JECFA 17/278, FNP 4-JECFA 17/295; COMPENDIUM/1411. 0-25 (AS TOTAL SORBITAN ESTERS). FU. R
1963, NMRS 35/TRS 281-JECFA 7/107, NMRS 35/TRS 281-JECFA 7/110. 0-25 (CONDITIONAL, 25-50; TOTAL SORBITAN PARTIAL ESTERS CALCULATED AS SORBITAN
1973, FAS 5/NMRS 53A-JECFA 17/278, FNP 4-JECFA 17/295; COMPENDIUM/1411. 0-25 (AS TOTAL SORBITAN ESTERS). FU. R
1963, NMRS 35/TRS 281-JECFA 7/107, NMRS 35/TRS 281-JECFA 7/110. 0-25 (CONDITIONAL, 25-50; TOTAL SORBITAN PARTIAL ESTERS CALCULATED AS SORBITAN