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E1505 Triethyl Citrate – Food Additive

E1505 (triethyl citrate) is an approved food additive used as a carrier and foam stabilizer. It is considered safe when used as intended within regulated limits.

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Things worth knowing about "E1505"

E1505 (triethyl citrate) is an approved food additive used as a carrier and foam stabilizer. It is considered safe when used as intended within regulated limits.

What is E1505 (Triethyl Citrate)?

E1505 is the EU approval number for triethyl citrate, a synthetically produced ester of citric acid. It is formed by the esterification of citric acid with ethanol and is used in the food industry, the pharmaceutical sector, and in cosmetics. As a food additive, it is approved in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008.

Properties and Production

Triethyl citrate is a colorless to pale yellowish, oily liquid with a mild, slightly fruity odor. It is readily soluble in water and has a high boiling point, making it versatile for a range of technical applications. It is manufactured through chemical synthesis via the esterification of citric acid with ethanol.

Use in Food Products

In food production, E1505 serves several technological functions:

Carrier substance: Triethyl citrate acts as a solvent and carrier for flavors, colorants, and other additives that need to be evenly distributed throughout a food product in small quantities.
Foam stabilizer: It stabilizes protein foams such as whipped egg whites in products like meringues and foamy desserts.
Film-forming agent: In food technology, it can act as a coating agent on certain food surfaces.

Typical applications include baked goods, desserts, confectionery, and dietary supplements. However, its use is limited to specific food categories and subject to maximum permitted levels.

Use in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Beyond the food industry, triethyl citrate is used in pharmaceuticals as a plasticizer for film coatings on tablets and capsules. It improves the flexibility and adhesion of coatings on solid dosage forms. In cosmetics, it is used as a fragrance carrier and in hair care products and deodorants, where it also demonstrates odor-inhibiting properties.

Safety and Health Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed triethyl citrate and concluded that it is safe when used within the approved maximum levels. The substance is rapidly hydrolyzed in the human body by esterases – broken down into citric acid and ethanol – and subsequently metabolized through normal pathways. EFSA concluded that a specific ADI (acceptable daily intake) value was not necessary, as the substance is considered safe at typical usage levels.

No relevant allergenic properties are known.
No adverse effects are expected when used as intended.
Individuals with known sensitivities to citric acid or ethanol should exercise caution.

Labeling

In the ingredient list of food products, triethyl citrate must be declared either by its E-number E1505 or by its name triethyl citrate. Consumers can identify this additive on product packaging using either designation.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of triethyl citrate (E 1505) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2020.
European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives.
Bauer, K. H., Frömming, K. H., Führer, C.: Pharmaceutical Technology Textbook. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2017.

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