Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic compound used as an emulsifier in food. It is made by reacting sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) with ethylene oxide, and then with oleic acid, which is a fatty acid often derived from vegetable oils.

Manufacturers add polysorbate 80 to help mix ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water. It acts as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and dispersant. It is commonly found in foods such as ice cream, baked goods, sauces, dressings, and processed fruits and vegetables like pickles and olives.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits polysorbate 80 as a direct food additive. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated polysorbate 80 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it. Some scientific studies, often in animals or cell cultures, have explored potential effects on gut bacteria and inflammation at high intake levels. However, the relevance of these findings to typical human dietary intake is still being researched, and evidence is mixed regarding its impact at levels found in food.