Is e479b vegan?

E479b is the E-number for thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. It is an emulsifier produced by heating refined soybean oil at high temperatures in the presence of air, then reacting this oxidized oil with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. Food manufacturers primarily use it as a release agent and emulsifier to reduce splattering in commercial frying fats, shortenings, margarines, and bakery spreads.

This additive is considered possibly vegan because its components can originate from both plant and animal sources. Although the soya bean oil is derived from plants, the mono- and diglycerides can be manufactured from either vegetable oils like palm or rapeseed, or animal fats such as tallow and lard. Ingredient labels generally do not declare the origin of these fatty acids. A certified vegan label or direct confirmation from the food manufacturer is necessary to determine whether a specific item containing E479b is suitable for vegans.