Food labels. The misunderstanding of mono and diglycerides of fatty acids

The mono and diglycerides of fatty acids are classified as food additives other than dyes and sweeteners (1), and are identified with the European authorization code E471. Their citation in the ingredient list of a food product must be preceded by the functional category - that is the reason for their use, which can be that of emulsifiers or thickeners (2) - and can be performed, alternatively, by displaying the name ( mono and diglycerides of fatty acids) or the identification code (E471).

Neither the regulations on additives, nor the one on information to consumers relating to food products (3) provide for the possibility of specifying the nature of the raw materials used for the production of the aforementioned additives.

The mention of food additives on the label of the products that contain them is in fact codified with positive law instruments, and it is not considered permissible to add further information to the ingredients list than those foreseen.

If the operator responsible for consumer information (4) wishes to provide additional information about the additives used, such as the absence of derivation from animals or their carcasses, he can add a voluntary wording of the type 'suitable for vegetarians' on the label. (and / or for vegans) '.

Dario Dongo

(1) cf. EU regulation 1129/2011 (Annex, Part B, point 3)
(2) cf. EC regulation 1333/2008 (Annex I, points 11 and 25)
(3) EU regulation 1169/2011
(4) cf. EU regulation 1169/2011, article 8

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