Scientific Opinion on the exposure assessment of sucrose esters of fatty acids (E 473) from its use as food additive

The ANS provides a scientific opinion on the exposure assessment of sucrose esters of fatty acids (E 473) taking into account the additional information on its use as surface treatment agent for food and the additional proposed use in flavourings. The Panel previously adopted a scientific opinion (2010) on the safety of sucrose esters of fatty acids prepared from vinyl esters of fatty acids and on the extension of use of sucrose esters of fatty acids in flavourings. In that opinion the Panel concluded that, based on the data available, the additional use of the sucrose esters of fatty acids may lead to exposures in excess of the ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day for sucrose esters of fatty acids (E 473) and sucroglycerides (E 474) established by EFSA in 2004. The Panel further noted that the main contribution to total dietary exposure to sucrose esters of fatty acids was from its use as surface treatment for fruits (on average 40-50%) and suggested that for a more refined estimate of intake, actual data on this use would need to be known. Following this conclusion new data were submitted to EFSA providing actual use levels of sucrose esters of fatty acids as a surface treatment for fresh fruits and the resulting residual levels in fruit. A new exposure assessment was based on this information and taking into account an additional proposed use in flavourings. The Panel noted that the current intake of sucrose esters of fatty acids is considerably lower than previously estimated, but is still above the ADI for children high level consumers. However, an intake resulting from its use as a surface treatment for fruits and the additional proposed use in clear flavoured soft drinks contributes to 0.25% and 0.1% of the ADI, respectively.