Citric Acid Esters Of Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids

Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids are created by reacting mono- and diglycerides (fats derived from vegetable or animal oils) with citric acid. Mono- and diglycerides are themselves produced by breaking down fats and oils into their components. This process results in an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water.

This ingredient acts as an emulsifier, helping to mix ingredients that normally don't blend well, like oil and water. It's often found in baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats to improve texture and stability.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated similar emulsifiers. No significant health concerns are associated with typical consumption levels of this ingredient.