Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (MDG) are produced by a chemical reaction of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (stearic acids) and tartaric acid . They are authorised in the EU as food additives under the number E 472d. Like other glycerol esters ( E 472a,b,c,e,f), the tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides act as emulsifiers and flour treatment agents. The tartaric acid esters of the MDG are, like the other ester compounds of the MDG, considered to be harmless and are permitted for all foodstuffs. Their use is not restricted in quantity. They are mainly used in margarine, pudding, cakes, biscuits, ready-made baking mixtures, bread and sausage.