Glyceryl Monoacetate (E1516): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Glyceryl monoacetate, or monoacetin, is the monoacetate ester of glycerol used as a carrier solvent and plasticiser for flavourings. It hydrolyses to glycerol and acetic acid, both normal metabolites, and JECFA grouped it with glycerol and the di- and tri-acetates under an acceptable daily intake not specified, its safest category. The EU and UK authorise the related diacetin E1517 and triacetin E1518 but not the monoacetate, so it is not a permitted additive in those markets.
- Category
- Solvent / Carrier — Carrier solvent
- Typically used in
- Carrier solvent and plasticiser for flavourings.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as a food additive in the EU or UK; the related diacetin E1517 and triacetin E1518 are permitted. JECFA placed it in the ADI-not-specified category.
- Also listed as
- Monoacetin
Scrannr flags Glyceryl Monoacetate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- JECFA (1979) — Glyceryl monoacetate WHO and FAO JECFA evaluations database https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/2856
- UK Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Glyceryl Monoacetate
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