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EmulsifierINS 472e
E472e

DATEM esters

What you need to know

DATEM (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) is a dough strengthener — it gives supermarket bread its even crumb and volume.

It is made from fats and tartaric acid. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2020 and found no safety concern at reported uses.

It sits in the same emulsifier family that gut-microbiome researchers are currently studying.

Where it stands, by region

The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.

🇦🇺AU / NZApproved
Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code).
🇪🇺EUApproved
Permitted (EFSA).
🇺🇸USApproved
Permitted (FDA).
🇨🇦CAApproved
Permitted (Health Canada).

Health evidence

How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.

Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Emulsifier–gut research ongoing
Suspected
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown

Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. EFSA re-evaluation (2020): no safety concern at reported uses.

Synthesis: Fat-derivedADI No safety concern at current use