Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Food additive E445 is known as glycerol esters of wood rosin and is primarily used in the food industry as an emulsifier and stabilizer. Its main function is to help liquids that normally do not mix form a stable and homogeneous mixture.
Additive E445 has a conditionally natural origin: its raw material is wood rosin obtained from coniferous trees (mainly from pine, Pinus palustris). However, the final product is obtained through additional industrial processing. In other words, glycerol esters of wood rosin do not occur in nature in a ready-made form, but the additive is based on natural components.
The history of using glycerol esters of wood rosin dates back to the 20th century, when beverage manufacturers faced the problem of separation of flavored liquids. The search for a stable solution led to the idea of combining purified wood rosin with glycerol, resulting in the creation of additive E445.
Food additive E445 does not have a single strict chemical formula, as it is a mixture of esters of resin acids and glycerol.
From a physical standpoint, glycerol esters of wood rosin are a viscous, resin-like substance of light yellow or amber color. The main properties of the additive include insolubility in water, good compatibility with oils, and stability during storage and heating. These characteristics make it valuable for the food industry.
Additive E445 is produced in a relatively simple way: purified wood rosin is treated with glycerol under controlled conditions. In simple terms, the production of emulsifier E445 is a method of “softening” natural rosin and making it suitable for use in food products.
Effects on the Body
Benefit of Additive E445
Glycerol esters of wood rosin are not inherent to the human body and do not perform any nutritional or biological function. At the same time, they are considered technologically safe: the additive does not accumulate in body tissues and has no known positive or negative effects when consumed within established intake limits.
The European Food Safety Authority states that additive E445 does not pose a health risk when used in permitted amounts.
Risks of Additive E445
After ingestion, glycerol esters of wood rosin are not fully absorbed by the body. Part of the substance passes through the digestive system unchanged, while another part is broken down into simpler components that are later excreted naturally.
Potential risks associated with the consumption of additive E445 are mainly related to exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI). In such cases, digestive disturbances or individual sensitivity reactions may occur. EFSA has established an acceptable daily intake for stabilizer E445 of up to 25 mg/kg of body weight.
The JECFA Committee reached similar conclusions, recognizing the additive as safe within established limits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also permits the use of additive E445 in food products.
Uses
In the food industry, additive E445 is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier that helps evenly distribute flavoring oils in liquid products and prevents their separation during storage.
It is most commonly used in soft drinks, especially citrus-based beverages, flavored waters, energy drinks, and syrups. A key feature of this stabilizer is that it is effective in very small doses and does not affect the taste of the finished product.
Legal Status
In the European Union, glycerol esters of wood rosin are permitted for use in food products as additive E445 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. In Ukraine, the additive is also included in the list of permitted food additives in line with European standards.
In the United States, stabilizer E445 is approved for use in beverages and certain other food products. Canada and Japan also recognize the additive as safe when established restrictions are observed.
There is no ban on the use of additive E445 in most developed countries, provided that manufacturers comply with acceptable daily intake limits.