Re‐evaluation of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, mono‐ and diacetyltartaric acid, mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472a‐f) as food additives

Abstract

The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, mono‐ and diacetyltartaric acids, mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E 472a‐f) as food additives. All substances had been previously evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) and by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Hydrolysis of E472a,b,c,e was demonstrated in various experimental systems, although the available data on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) were limited. The Panel assumed that E472a‐f are extensively hydrolysed in the GI tract and/or (pre‐)systemically after absorption into their individual hydrolysis products which are all normal dietary constituents and are metabolised or excreted intact. No adverse effects relevant for humans have been identified from the toxicological database available for E472a‐f. The Panel considered that there is no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E 472a,b,c. The Panel also considered that only l(+)‐tartaric acid has to be used in the manufacturing process of E472d,e,f. The Panel established ADIs for E 472d,e,f based on the group ADI of 240 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, expressed as tartaric acid, for l(+)‐tartaric acid‐tartrates (E334‐337, 354) and considering the total amount of l(+)‐tartaric acid in each food additive. Exposure estimates were calculated for all food additives individually, except for E 472e and f, using maximum level, refined exposure and food supplements consumers only scenarios. Considering the exposure estimates, there is no safety concern at their reported uses and use levels. In addition, exposure to tartaric acid released from the use of E 472d,e,f was calculated. The Panel also proposed a number of recommendations.

Direct Synthesis of Aliphatic Polyesters with Pendant Hydroxyl Groups from Bio-Renewable Monomers: A Reactive Precursor for Functionalized Biomaterials

“…This is particularly significant as most synthetic water-soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), are nonbiodegradable, limiting their application . Additionally, the degradation byproducts of this material, tartaric acid and 1,3-propanediol, can be metabolized by cells and exhibit excellent biocompatibility. , The biocompatibility of polymer P5 (a water-soluble polyester) and polymer P7 (a non-water-soluble polyester) was confirmed through a cytotoxicity test (Figure S12), indicating their potential utility in biomedical applications. The diol moieties along the backbone of polymer P5 could be used to react with borax to form a crosslinked network, as shown in Figure A.…”

Re‐evaluation of sucrose esters of fatty acids (E 473) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow‐up of its previous evaluations as food additive for uses in foods for all population groups

“…Data to address the safety of impurities of toxicological concerns identified as relevant in recent assessments of food additives similar to E 473 (EFSA FAF Panel, 2020, 2021) were not requested in the call for data published on 29 November 2018. For this reason, a follow‐up call for data was published on 8 December 2021 to request the following information (see also Appendix G): the source of the fatty acids used for the manufacturing of E 473 along with detailed information of any production method used to manufacture E 473, including indication of the solvents used, time/temperature patterns applied, chemical/physical reactions and/or treatments involved; analytical data, supported by certificate of analysis, on current levels of trans‐fatty acids in commercial samples of E 473; analytical data, supported by certificate of analysis, on current levels of erucic acid in commercial samples of E 473; analytical data, supported by certificate of analysis, on current levels of any compound of toxicological concern (e.g.…”

Citric Acid Confers Broad Antibiotic Tolerance through Alteration of Bacterial Metabolism and Oxidative Stress

“…According to the market report on the use of citric acid published in Japan in 2023, the global consumption of citric acid was at approximately 2.8 million tons in 2022, and it is estimated that this amount will reach up to 3.3 million tons by 2028 [13]. The ADI (acceptable daily intake) published by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and the WHO (World Health Organization) of the United Nations does not limit its use [14]. However, the widespread use of citric acid in the food industry requires a more detailed assessment of its impact on human health and the ecological environment.…”