E470-E489 Fatty acids

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) refers to a food additive composed of diglycerides and monoglycerides which is used as an emulsifier.

This mixture is also sometimes referred to as partial glycerides.

E471 is mainly produced from vegetable oils (such as soybean), although animal fats are sometimes used and cannot be completely excluded as being present in the product.

The fatty acids from each source are chemically identical.

The Vegan Society flags E471 as a potentially animal based.