emulsifier INS 476

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate E476

polyglycerol ester — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Polyglycerol esters of polycondensed fatty acids from castor oil

CAS: 29894-35-7

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate?

PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate) is an emulsifier produced from polymerized glycerol and fatty acids derived from castor oil (ricinoleic acid). It is used almost exclusively in chocolate to reduce viscosity during manufacturing, allowing reduction of cocoa butter content without affecting flow properties. At lower concentrations (0.1–0.3%) it significantly reduces yield stress. JECFA established an ADI of 7.5 mg/kg body weight. EFSA reviewed PGPR in 2017, confirming the ADI. Approved in EU, USA (GRAS), Japan, Canada, and Australia for chocolate applications.

? Did You Know?

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate isn't just a food additive — it's also used in cosmetics.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~11 chocolate bars (typical content 0.3-0.5%) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 5000-10000 depending on product mg/kg

Maximum levels vary by food category; widely permitted in chocolate products

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

GRAS status; widely used in chocolate manufacturing

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved for general food use

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

7.5 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

7.5 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~11 of chocolate bars (typical content 0.3-0.5%)

~40mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical esterification

Produced by esterifying polyglycerol with condensed ricinoleic acid derived from castor bean oil. The resulting compound is an excellent emulsifier for chocolate systems.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in some cosmetic formulations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (E476)?

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (E476) is a emulsifier used in food products. It is polyglycerol ester and synthetic. Synthetic emulsifier made from castor oil and polyglycerol. Extremely effective at reducing chocolate viscosity, allowing manufacturers to use less expensive cocoa butter. This is the primary reason PGPR is so ubiquitous in mass-market chocolate - it's a significant cost-saving ingredient that allows chocolate to flow better during manufacturing.

What is the ADI for Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate is 7.5 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate?

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate is used in various food categories including Cocoa and chocolate products, Other confectionery. It is used as a emulsifier in these products.

Is Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate the same as PGPR?

Yes, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate is also known as PGPR, E476, Polyglycerol polyricinoleate. These are different names for the same substance.