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E432: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate

Tween 20

Origin:
E432 is a synthetic compound, produced from ethylene oxide (a synthetic compound), sorbitol (see E420) and lauric acid (a natural fatty acid).

Function & characteristics:
Emulsifier.

Products:
Ice cream, soft drinks, etc.

Acceptable Daily Intake:
Up to 25 mg/kg body weight for the entire group of compounds in the 430-E436 range; on the other hand, it has not been specified for the individual compounds.

Side effects:
None known in the concentrations used. People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the 430-E436 group.

Dietary restrictions:
These compounds (430-E436) contain fatty acids, which are nearly always from vegetable oils; however, use of animal fat (including pork) cannot be fully ruled out. Chemically, the origin of these compounds cannot be determined; only the producer may provide information on the origin.