Is e479 vegan?

E479, commonly known as thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, is a food additive used primarily as an emulsifier and release agent. It is produced by heating and oxidizing soybean oil at high temperatures and reacting the resulting mixture with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. Food manufacturers commonly use it in margarines, frying fats, bakery shortenings, and fat spreads to improve texture and prevent spattering during cooking.

This ingredient is classified as possibly vegan because its components can come from both plant and animal origins. Although the soybean oil component is plant-derived, the mono- and diglycerides can be sourced from vegetable oils, such as palm or rapeseed, or from rendered animal fats like tallow and lard. Product labels rarely specify the origin of these fatty acids. Consumers can confirm whether the additive is plant-based by looking for an official vegan certification on the packaging or by contacting the manufacturer directly.