Polysorbate 20

Polysorbate 20 is a compound produced synthetically from sorbitol and fatty acids, which is used as an additive (E 432) in the food industry as emulsifier, complexing agent and stabiliser.

This additive is approved in limited quantities for certain products. Approved foods include bakery fats, ice cream, diet foods, desserts, cakes, cookies, puff pastries, sauces, soups, chewing gum, and milk and cream substitutes made from vegetable raw materials. Polysorbates stabilize the structure of fats and foams. For example, they prevent margarine and frying fats from splattering when heated.

Polysorbates are also used in animal feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.