Each Of The Following: Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 is a synthetic emulsifier made from sorbitol, ethylene oxide, and stearic acid. It is a mixture of polyoxyethylene ethers of sorbitan monostearate and sorbitan distearate. It appears as a pale yellow to orange-yellow, viscous liquid or semi-solid.

Manufacturers add Polysorbate 60 to foods to help mix ingredients that normally don't mix well, like oil and water. This helps create smoother textures and prevents separation in products such as baked goods, shortenings, and whipped toppings.

Polysorbate 60 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an emulsifier and stabilizer. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated it. Studies on animals have looked at its effects, but evidence regarding significant health impacts in humans at typical consumption levels is limited.