My diet:

E472c Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

E472cEmulsifiersOrigin: Plant or animal
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Every diet

VeganDepends

Vegan when the fat base is plant-based. Animal-fat versions exist.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalDepends

Depends on the fat source; certified versions are available.

KosherDepends

Depends on the fat source; look for a kosher certification.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (E472c, or CITREM) are fat-based emulsifiers with a citric acid part. They help meat products and bakery items hold water and stay soft, and they are generally considered safe.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE472c
Comes fromPlant or animal
What it doesEmulsifiers
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledE472c, CITREM

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada in bakery, meat and dessert products, within set limits. It helps fat-based and water-based parts of a food stay mixed.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Like E472a, this emulsifier starts from mono- and diglycerides. Attaching citric acid adds a part that loves water, so it can hold fat and water together in products that would otherwise separate or dry out.

Where it comes from: Made from mono- and diglycerides linked to citric acid. The fat base can be plant or animal, and the label rarely says which.

Why it’s in food

  • Helps meat products hold water and stay juicy
  • Keeps bread soft for longer
  • Keeps creamy fillings from splitting
  • Makes batters smooth and easy to pour

Often found in

Sliced breadDeli meatsCake batterDessert fillingsIce cream

Also listed as: E472c, CITREM, Citrem

Health & gut impact

Citric acidConcern

It is used in small amounts, so the citric acid it carries adds little to a person's daily intake.

EFSA review of citric acid esters

What can I use instead?

Mono- and diglycerides (E471)

Ratio: About 1:1 by weight

Best for: Basic bread and dessert fillings

Related

More emulsifiers:

Acetylated monoglycerides E472aAcetylated monoglycerides (E472a) are fat-based emulsifiers that help bread hold air and keep whipped toppings stable. They are common in bakery and generally considered safe; check the source fat if you avoid animal ingredients.Use in moderationAmmonium phosphatides E442Ammonium phosphatides (E442) are a chocolate emulsifier made from vegetable oil. They are an alternative to soy lecithin when a recipe needs chocolate to flow, and they are considered safe.Generally safeBrominated vegetable oil (BVO)Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) kept the citrus flavor from floating to the top of some sodas. The FDA banned it in 2024 because of thyroid effects, so check older or imported citrus drinks.Best to avoidCalcium stearoyl lactylate E482Calcium stearoyl lactylate (E482) is a dough strengthener that helps bread rise and stay soft. Its fat source varies, so vegans and people following halal or kosher rules should check the label.Use in moderation

Common questions

What is CITREM?

CITREM is another name for E472c, citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides. It is a fat-based emulsifier that keeps water and fat mixed.

Is E472c safe?

Yes. It is approved in the US, EU and Canada within normal food use, and it is added in small amounts.

Is Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides safe?

Use in moderation (68/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada in bakery, meat and dessert products, within set limits. It helps fat-based and water-based parts of a food stay mixed.

Is Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides vegan?

Depends. Vegan when the fat base is plant-based. Animal-fat versions exist.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E472c
  • EFSA review of citric acid esters

INS 472c