What is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate used for in food?

It is listed as an emulsifier and a stabiliser — the role Codex and the US assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.

Where is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate permitted?

Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, the EU, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, the US and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.

Is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate vegan?

It depends on the source, and a label will not tell you. Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate can be made from plant or animal material, manufacturers are not obliged to say which, and the same product can change between production runs. Anyone who needs to know has to ask the manufacturer.

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate

Q: What is E 432?

E 432 is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate. Also known as polysorbate 20, this emulsifier is used in beverage bases, dressings and vitamin preparations.

9005-64-5 · E 432 · Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate · Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20) · Polysorbate 20 · POLYSORBATES · E432 · 432 · 2-hydroxyethyl 2-deoxy-3,5-bis-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-O-{2-[(9E)-octadec-9-enoyloxy]ethyl}hexofuranoside · Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate · Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20) · polysorbate 20 · Monlawrat tal-poliossietilensorbitan (polisorbat 20) · Monolaurat de polioxietilenă sorbitan (polisorbat 20) · MONOLAURATE DE POLYOXYÉTHYLÈNE SORBITAN (POLYSORBATE 20) · Monolaurate de polyoxyéthylène de sorbitane (polysorbate 20) · Monolaurato de polioxietileno sorbitano (polissorbato 20) · Monolaurato de sorbitano polioxietilenado (polisorbato 20) · MONOLAURATO DE SORBITÁN POLIOXIETILENADO · MONOLAURATO DI POLIOSSIETILENE SORBITANO (POLISORBATO 20) · Monolaurato di poliossietilensorbitano (polisorbato 20) · Monolaurynian polioksyetylenosorbitolu (polisorbat 20) · MONOLAWRAT TAL-POLIOSSIETILEN SORBITAN (POLISORBAT 20) · Polioksietilen sorbitan monolaurat (polisorbat 20) · Polioksietileno sorbitano monolauratas (polisorbatas 20) · Polioksietilēna sorbitāna monolaurāts (polisorbāts 20) · Polioxi-etilén(20)-szorbitan-monolaurát (poliszorbát 20) · POLIOXIETILÉN-SZORBITAN-MONOLAURÁT (POLISZORBÁT 20) · Polyoksyetyleenisorbitaani-monolauraatti (polysorbaatti 20) · POLYOKSYETYLEENISORBITAANIMONOLAURAATTI (POLYSORBAATTI 20) · Polyoxietylensorbitanmonolaurat (Polysorbat 20) · Polyoxyethyleensorbitaanmonolauraat (polysorbaat 20) · Polyoxyethylen(20)sorbitanmonolaurat (polysorbat 20) · POLYOXYETHYLEN-SORBITANMONOLAURAT (POLYSORBAT 20) · Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20) · Polyoxyethylensorbitanmonolaurát (polysorbát 20) · Polyoxyetylénsorbitanmonolaurát (polysorbát 20) · POLYOXYLÉNSORBITANMONOLAURÁT (POLYSORBÁT 20) · POLÜOKSÜETÜLEEN SORBITAANMONOLAUREAAT (POLÜSORBAAT 20) · Polüoksüetüleensorbitaanmonolauraat (polüsorbaat 20) · Μονολαυρική πολυοξυ-αιθυλενο-σορβιτάνη (polysorbate 20) · Полиоксиетилен сорбитан монолаурат (полисорбат 20)

E number E432INS 432CAS 9005-64-5

Listed as an emulsifier and a stabiliser by Codex and the US.

Listed as emulsifiers (US, Codex) · stabilisers (US, Codex) · thickeners (US) · flavouring agents and adjuvants (US) · surface-active agents (US)

United States: Emulsifier or emulsifier salt — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POLYSORBATE 20
Codex Alimentarius: Emulsifier — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 432
United States: Stabilizer or thickener — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POLYSORBATE 20
Codex Alimentarius: Stabilizer — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 432
United States: Stabilizer or thickener — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POLYSORBATE 20
United States: Flavoring agent or adjuvant — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POLYSORBATE 20
United States: Surface-active agent — FDA, Substances Added to Food: POLYSORBATE 20

Also known as polysorbate 20, this emulsifier is used in beverage bases, dressings and vitamin preparations.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
Jurisdiction	Status	Scope and limits	Citation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New Zealand	Permitted, with conditions	3 food categories highest permitted level 500 mg/kg Show every food category 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — 500 mg/kg 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — 500 mg/kg 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — 500 mg/kg	Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 2 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth Canada	No listing matchedHealth Canada’s lists name additives without E or INS numbers, so this site matches them by exact name. A substance listed there under a name this site does not recognise has no row here.
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSA	Permitted, with conditions	21 food categories highest permitted level 10,000 mg/l Show every food category 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — 1,000 mg/lPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/l. 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — 5,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 5000 mg/kg. only milk and cream analogues. 12.5 Soups and broths — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. only soups. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 12.6 Sauces — 5,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 5000 mg/kg. only emulsified sauces. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. 14.1.4 Flavoured_drinks — 10 mg/lPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 10 mg/l. only carbonated drinks. 14.2.3 Cider and perry — 10 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 10 mg/kg. only carbonated drinks. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — 10 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 10 mg/kg. only carbonated drinks. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % — 10 mg/lPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 10 mg/l. only carbonated beverages. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 16 Desserts excluding products covered in category 1 3 and 4 — 3,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 3000 mg/kg. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 17.1 food supplements supplied in a solid form excluding food supplements for infants and young children’, — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. quantum satis. 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. quantum satis. 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — 10,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 10000 mg/kg. only fat emulsions for baking. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 3 edible ices — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 500 mg/kg. only coconut milk. Period of application: From 23 July 2012. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. only sugar confectionery. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 5.3 chewing gum — 5,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 5000 mg/kg. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination. 7.2 Fine bakery wares — 3,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Polysorbates. ML = 3000 mg/kg. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination.	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 20 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards Scotland	Permitted, with conditions	20 food categories highest permitted level 10,000 mg/kg or mg/l Show every food category 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — 5,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 5000. only milk and cream analogues. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 12.5 Soups and broths — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. only soups. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 12.6 Sauces — 5,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 5000. only emulsified sauces. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — 10 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 10. only carbonated drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 14.2.3 Cider and perry — 10 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 10. only carbonated drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — 10 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 10. only carbonated drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — 10 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 10. only carbonated drinks. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — 3,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 3000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. quantum satis. 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. quantum satis. 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — 10,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 10000. only fat emulsions for baking. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 3 Edible ices — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 500. only coconut milk Period of application: From 23 July 2012. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. only sugar confectionery. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 5.3 Chewing gum — 5,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 5000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 1000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. 7.2 Fine bakery wares — 3,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 432–436: Polysorbates. ML = 3000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)and 19 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs Agency	Permitted, with conditions	Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 396, ポリソルベート二〇 (“Polysorbate 20” in the unofficial English translation). … Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 396, ポリソルベート二〇 (“Polysorbate 20” in the unofficial English translation). Standards for use — Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (MHW Notification No. 370 of 1959), Part II (Food Additives), F (Standards for use), entry ポリソルベート20: (1) [sets maximum levels of use for the foods stated; sets a combined limit where it is used together with the additives stated] “ポリソルベート20の使用量は、ポリソルベート80として、カプセル・錠剤等通常の食品形態でない食品にあってはその1kgにつき25g以下、ココア及びチョコレート製品、ショートニング、即席麺の添付調味料、ソース類、チューインガム並びに乳脂肪代替食品にあってはその1kgにつき5.0g以下、アイスクリーム類、菓子の製造に用いる装飾品(糖を主成分とするものに限る。)、加糖ヨーグルト、ドレッシング、マヨネーズ、ミックスパウダー(焼菓子及び洋生菓子の製造に用いるものに限る。)、焼菓子(洋菓子に限る。)及び洋生菓子にあってはその1kgにつき3.0g以下、あめ類、スープ、フラワーペースト(ココア及びチョコレートを主要原料とし、これに砂糖、油脂、粉乳、卵、小麦粉等を加え、加熱殺菌してペースト状とし、パン又は菓子に充填又は塗布して食用に供するものに限る。)及び氷菓にあってはその1kgにつき1.0g以下、海藻の漬物、チョコレートドリンク及び野菜の漬物にあってはその1kgにつき0.50g以下、非熟成チーズにあってはその1kgにつき0.080g以下、海藻の缶詰及び瓶詰並びに野菜の缶詰及び瓶詰にあってはその1kgにつき0.030g以下並びにその他の食品にあってはその1kgにつき0.020g以下でなければならない。また、ポリソルベート60、ポリソルベート65又はポリソルベート80のうち1種以上と併用する場合にあっては、それぞれの使用量の和がポリソルベート80としての基準値以下でなければならない。” The Japanese is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the Notification; the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications for this additive, in the same Notification, are not imported and are not shown here; nor are the general rules in F 添加物一般, which apply to every additive.	Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act (MHW Ordinance No. 23 of 1948), Appended Table 1retrieved 2026-10-18
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug Safety	Permitted, with conditions	Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. … Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 폴리소르베이트20 (“Polysorbate 20”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 폴리소르베이트20: 유화제. Standard for use (사용기준) of 폴리소르베이트20: (1) [to be used under the general standard for use in II. 2. 1), the minimum amount that achieves the technical effect, with no limit set for this additive in particular] “II. 2. 1)의 규정에 따라 사용하여야 한다.” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.	Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug Administration	Permitted, with conditions	Named in the list of synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants in 21 CFR 172.515(b), which may be safely used in food in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect. The section is held on this site as the page synthetic-flavoring-substances-and-adjuvants; read it for the conditions.	21 CFR 172.515retrieved 2026-10-18
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFA	Permitted, with conditions	57 food categories highest permitted level 25,000 mg/kg Show every food category and its notes 01.1.4 Flavoured Fluid Milk Drinks — 3,000 mg/kg Note 629 Except for products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003): as an emulsifier in flavoured fermented milks and flavoured drinks based on fermented milks, heat treated or not after fermentation. 01.3.2 Beverage whiteners — 4,000 mg/kg Note XS250 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for a Blend of Evaporated Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat (CODEX STAN 250-2006). Note XS252 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for a Blend of Sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat (CODEX STAN 252-2006). 01.4.1 Pasteurized cream (plain) — 1,000 mg/kg Note 626 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Cream and Prepared Creams (CXS 288-1976) as an emulsifier. 01.4.2 Sterilized and UHT creams, whipping and whipped creams, and reduced fat creams (plain) — 1,000 mg/kg 01.4.3 Clotted cream (plain) — 1,000 mg/kg 01.4.4 Cream analogues — 5,000 mg/kg 01.5.2 Milk and cream powder analogues — 4,000 mg/kg Note XS251 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for a Blend of Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat in Powdered Form (CODEX STAN 251-2006). 01.6.1 Unripened cheese — 80 mg/kg Note 38 On the creaming mixture basis. Note XS221 Excluding products conforming to the Group Standard for Unripened Cheese including Fresh Cheese (CXS 221-2001). Note XS262 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Mozzarella (CODEX STAN 262-2006). Note XS273 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cottage Cheese (CXS 273-1968). Note XS275 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream Cheese (CXS 275-1973). 01.7 Dairy-based desserts (e.g. pudding, fruit or flavoured yoghurt) — 3,000 mg/kg Note 629 Except for products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003): as an emulsifier in flavoured fermented milks and flavoured drinks based on fermented milks, heat treated or not after fermentation. 02.1.2 Vegetable oils and fats — 5,000 mg/kg Note 102 For use in fat emulsions for baking purposes only. Note XS19 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Edible Fats and Oils not covered by Individual Standards (CXS 19-1981). Note XS33 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils (CODEX STAN 33-1981). Note XS210 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CXS 210-1999). Note XS325R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for Unrefined Shea Butter (CXS 325R-2017). 02.1.3 Lard, tallow, fish oil, and other animal fats — 5,000 mg/kg Note 102 For use in fat emulsions for baking purposes only. Note XS19 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Edible Fats and Oils not covered by Individual Standards (CXS 19-1981). Note XS211 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Named Animal Fat (CODEX STAN 211-1999). 02.2.2 Fat spreads, dairy fat spreads and blended spreads — 10,000 mg/kg Note 360 In dairy fat spreads limited to products with < 70% fat content or baking purposes only. Note 557 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Dairy Fat Spreads (CXS 253-2006), as an emulsifier only. 02.3 Fat emulsions mainly of type oil-in-water, including mixed and/or flavoured products based on fat emulsions — 5,000 mg/kg Note 102 For use in fat emulsions for baking purposes only. 02.4 Fat-based desserts excluding dairy-based dessert products of food category 01.7 — 3,000 mg/kg Note 102 For use in fat emulsions for baking purposes only. 03.0 Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet — 1,000 mg/kg 04.1.2.11 Fruit fillings for pastries — 3,000 mg/kg 04.1.2.8 Fruit preparations, including pulp, purees, fruit toppings and coconut milk — 1,000 mg/kg Note 154 For use in coconut milk only. Note XS314R Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Date Paste (CODEX STAN 314R-2013). 04.1.2.9 Fruit-based desserts, incl. fruit-flavoured water-based desserts — 3,000 mg/kg 04.2.2.6 Vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweed, and nut and seed pulps and preparations (e.g. vegetable desserts and sauces, candied vegetables) other than food category 04.2.2.5 — 3,000 mg/kg Note XS57 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Processed Tomato Concentrates (CODEX STAN 57-1981). Note XS259R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Tehena (CODEX STAN 259R-2007). Note XS308R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for Harissa (Red Hot Pepper Paste) (CXS 308R-2011). 05.1.2 Cocoa mixes (syrups) — 500 mg/kg 05.1.3 Cocoa-based spreads, incl. fillings — 1,000 mg/kg Note XS86 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cocoa Butter (CODEX STAN 86-1981). 05.1.4 Cocoa and chocolate products — 5,000 mg/kg Note 101 When used in combination as emulsifiers: ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid (INS 442), polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoleic acid (INS 476), sorbitan monostearate (INS 491), sorbitan tristearate (INS 492), and polysorbates (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (INS 432), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (INS 433), polyoxyethylene (20), sorbitan monostearate (INS 435) and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate (INS 436)), the total combined use level shall not exceed 15,000 mg/kg. 05.1.5 Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products — 5,000 mg/kg 05.2 Confectionery including hard and soft candy, nougats, etc. other than food categories 05.1, 05.3, and 05.4 — 1,000 mg/kg Note XS309R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Halawa Tehenia (CODEX STAN 309R-211). 05.3 Chewing gum — 5,000 mg/kg 05.4 Decorations (e.g. for fine bakery wares), toppings (non-fruit), and sweet sauces — 3,000 mg/kg 06.4.2 Dried pastas and noodles and like products — 5,000 mg/kg 06.4.3 Pre-cooked pastas and noodles and like products — 5,000 mg/kg Note 153 For use in instant noodles only. Note XS364R Excluding use in products conforming to the Regional standard for quick-frozen dumplings (CXS 364R-2026). 06.5 Cereal and starch based desserts (e.g. rice pudding, tapioca pudding) — 3,000 mg/kg 06.6 Batters (e.g. for breading or batters for fish or poultry) — 5,000 mg/kg Note 2 On the dry ingredient, dry weight, dry mix or concentrate basis. 06.8.1 Soybean-based beverages — 2,000 mg/kg Note 645 For use only in composite/ flavoured soybean beverages and soybean-based beverages conforming to the Regional Standard for Non-Fermented Soybean Products (Asia) (CXS 322R-2015) as an emulsifier. 07.1.1 Breads and rolls — 3,000 mg/kg 07.1.2 Crackers, excluding sweet crackers — 5,000 mg/kg Note 11 On the flour basis. 07.1.3 Other ordinary bakery products (e.g. bagels, pita, English muffins) — 3,000 mg/kg Note 11 On the flour basis. 07.1.4 Bread-type products, including bread stuffing and bread crumbs — 3,000 mg/kg Note 11 On the flour basis. 07.1.5 Steamed breads and buns — 3,000 mg/kg Note 11 On the flour basis. 07.1.6 Mixes for bread and ordinary bakery wares — 3,000 mg/kg Note 11 On the flour basis. 07.2 Fine bakery wares (sweet, salty, savoury) and mixes — 3,000 mg/kg 08.2 Processed meat, poultry, and game products in whole pieces or cuts — 5,000 mg/kg Note XS96 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cooked Cured Ham (CODEX STAN 96-1981). Note XS97 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cooked Cured Pork Shoulder (CODEX STAN 97-1981). Note XS350R Excluding products conforming to the Regional Standard for dried meat (Africa) (CXS 350R-2022). 08.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry, and game products — 5,000 mg/kg Note XS88 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Corned Beef (CODEX STAN 88-1981). Note XS89 Excluding products conforming to Standard for Luncheon Meat (CODEX STAN 89-1981). Note XS98 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cooked Cured Chopped Meat (CODEX STAN 98-1981). 08.4 Edible casings (e.g. sausage casings) — 1,500 mg/kg 10.4 Egg-based desserts (e.g. custard) — 3,000 mg/kg 12.1.1 Salt — 10 mg/kg 12.2.1 Herbs and spices — 2,000 mg/kg Note XS326 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Black, White and Green Peppers (CODEX STAN 326-2017). Note XS327 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cumin (CODEX STAN 327-2017). Note XS328 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Thyme (CODEX STAN 328-2017). Note XS342 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Oregano (CXS 342-2021). Note XS343 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for dried roots, rhizomes and bulbs: Dried or dehydrated ginger (CXS 343-2021). Note XS344 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for dried floral parts: Cloves (CXS 344-2021). Note XS345 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Basil (CXS 345-2021). Note XS347 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for dried or dehydrated garlic (CXS 347-2019). Note XS351 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Floral Parts - Saffron (CXS 351-2022). Note XS352 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Seeds – Nutmeg (CXS 352-2022). Note XS353 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried or Dehydrated Chilli Pepper and Paprika (CXS 353-2022). 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 5,000 mg/kg 12.5 Soups and broths — 1,000 mg/kg 12.6.1 Emulsified sauces and dips (e.g. mayonnaise, salad dressing, onion dips) — 3,000 mg/kg 12.6.2 Non-emulsified sauces (e.g. ketchup, cheese sauce, cream sauce, brown gravy) — 5,000 mg/kg Note 580 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Chili Sauce (CXS 306-2011): Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (INS 432), Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (INS 433), Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (INS 434) and Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate (INS 435) only, singly or in combination. 12.6.3 Mixes for sauces and gravies — 5,000 mg/kg Note 127 On the served to the consumer basis. 12.6.4 Clear sauces (e.g. fish sauce) — 5,000 mg/kg Note XS302 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fish Sauce (CODEX STAN 302-2011). 12.7 Salads (e.g. macaroni salad, potato salad) and sandwich spreads excluding cocoa-and nut-based spreads of food categories 04.2.2.5 and 05.1.3 — 2,000 mg/kg 13.3 Dietetic foods intended for special medical purposes (excluding products of food category 13.1) — 1,000 mg/kg Note 566 Excluding products conforming to the Guidelines for Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (CXG 95-2022). 13.4 Dietetic formulae for slimming purposes and weight reduction — 1,000 mg/kg 13.6 Food supplements — 25,000 mg/kg 14.1.4 Water-based flavoured drinks, including "sport," “energy,” or "electrolyte" drinks and particulated drinks — 500 mg/kg Note 127 On the served to the consumer basis. 14.2.6 Distilled spirituous beverages containing more than 15% alcohol — 120 mg/kg 14.2.7 Aromatized alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer, wine and spirituous cooler-type beverages, low-alcoholic refreshers) — 120 mg/kg	CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 432and 56 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand	500 mg/kg	3 numeric limit
European Union	10 mg/kg – 10,000 mg/kg	19 numeric limit, 2 quantum satis
Great Britain	10 mg/kg – 10,000 mg/kg	18 numeric limit, 2 quantum satis
Japan	—	1 no quantity stated
South Korea	—	1 no quantity stated
United States	—	1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius	10 mg/kg – 25,000 mg/kg	57 numeric limit

What it is made from

Made by attaching about twenty ethylene oxide units to sorbitan monolaurate. The lauric acid comes mainly from coconut or palm kernel oil.

Vegan status depends on the source
Vegetarian status depends on the source
May raise a halal question
May raise a kosher question

This is not an omission. What this additive is made from is not fixed — depending on the manufacturer it may be plant, animal or microbial in origin, nobody is required to say which, and the same product can change source between production runs. Ask the manufacturer if it matters to you; a label cannot answer it.

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number: 9005-64-5

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

Parameter	European Union	JECFA
Assay	no less than 70 %	no more than 74 %
Sulphated ash	—	no more than 0.25 %
Lead	no more than 2 mg/kg	no more than 2 mg/kg
Arsenic	no more than 3 mg/kg	—
Mercury	no more than 1 mg/kg	—
Cadmium	no more than 1 mg/kg	—

The two documents state the same figures for every parameter compared here.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 432 Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20)

A mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides with edible commercial lauric acid and condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol and its anhydrides

Synonyms: Polysorbate 20; Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Assay: Content not less than 70 % of oxyethylene groups, equivalent to not less than 97,3 % of polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate on the anhydrous basis
Description: A lemon to amber-coloured oily liquid at 25 °C with a faint characteristic odour

Identification

Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate and dioxane. Insoluble in mineral oil and petroleum ether
Infrared absorption spectrum: Characteristic of a partial fatty acid ester of a polyoxyethylated polyol

Purity criteria

Water content: Not more than 3 % (Karl Fischer method)
Acid value: Not more than 2
Saponification value: Not less than 40 and not more than 50
Hydroxyl value: Not less than 96 and not more than 108
1,4-dioxane: Not more than 5 mg/kg
Ethylene glycols (mono- and di-): Not more than 0,25 %
Arsenic: Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead: Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury: Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium: Not more than 1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 432

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 432 Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate

Consists of a mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides (which have an acid value below 7 and a water content below 0.2%) with edible commercial lauric acid and condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol and its anhydrides.

Synonyms: Polysorbate 20; INS No. 432

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history: Prepared at the 17th JECFA (1973), published in FNP 4 (1978) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 55th JECFA (2000). An ADI of 0-25 mg/kg bw was established at the 17th JECFA (1973).
Structural formula: Nominal formula and approximate composition: where w + x + y + z = approx. 20 and RCO- is the fatty acid moiety
Assay: Not less than 70.0 and not more than 74.0% of oxyethylene groups, equivalent to not less than 97.3 and not more than 103.0% of polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate calculated on the anhydrous basis Lemon to amber coloured oily liquid at 25 o , with a faint characteristic odour
FUNCTIONAL USES: Emulsifier, dispersing agent
METHOD OF ASSAY: Determine the content of Oxyethylene groups .

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4): Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate and dioxane. Insoluble in mineral oil and petroleum ether
Infrared absorption: The infrared spectrum of the sample is characteristic of a partial fatty acid ester of a polyoxyethylated polyol
Colour reaction: To 5 ml of a 5% (w/v) aqueous solution of the sample add 10 ml of ammonium cobaltothiocyanate solution and 5 ml of chloroform, shake well and allow to separate; a blue colour is produced in the chloroform layer. (Ammonium cobaltothiocyanate solution: 37.5 g of cobalt nitrate and 150 g of ammonium thiocyanate made up to 100 ml with water - freshly prepared).
Test for fatty acids: To 5 ml of a 5% (w/v) aqueous solution of the sample add 5 ml sodium hydroxide TS. Boil for a few min, cool, and acidify with dilute hydrochloric acid. The solution is strongly opalescent, owing to the fatty acids liberated.
Saponification (Vol. 4): 100 g of the sample yields approximately 16 g of fatty acids and 81 g of polyol

Purity criteria

Water (Vol. 4): Not more than 3% (Karl Fischer Method)
Sulfated ash (Vol. 4): Not more than 0.25% Test 5 g of the sample
Acid value (Vol. 4): Not more than 2
Saponification value (Vol. 4): Not less than 40 and not more than 50
Hydroxyl value (Vol. 4): Not less than 96 and not more than 108
Lead (Vol. 4): Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”

FAO JECFA Monograph 1 (2006)

Authorised in other additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients

These authorisations are not for use in food. They let this substance be used inside another additive, a food enzyme, a flavouring or a nutrient preparation — often as a carrier — and it reaches food only as part of that product. Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

Part	May be used in	Maximum level	Citation
Annex III, Part 1: Carriers in food additives	Antifoaming agentsAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates (Table 4 of Part 6)"	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 1, via Table 4 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 1: Carriers in food additives	Colours and fat-soluble antioxidantsAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates (Table 4 of Part 6)"	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 1, via Table 4 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 1: Carriers in food additives	Glazing agents for fruitAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates"	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 1, via Table 4 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 2: Food additives other than carriers in food additives	Preparations of colours, contrast enhancers, fat soluble antioxidants and glazing agents for fruitAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates" Note (1): Except enzymes authorised as food additives.	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 2, via Table 4 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 4: Food additives including carriers in food flavourings	All flavourings, except liquid smoke flavourings and flavourings based on spice oleoresinsAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates (Table 4 of Part 6)" Note (2): Spice oleoresins are defined as extracts of spices from which the extraction solvent has been evaporated leaving a mixture of the volatile oil and resinous material from the spice.	10 000 mg/kg in flavourings	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 4, via Table 4 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 4: Food additives including carriers in food flavourings	Foodstuffs containing liquid smoke flavourings and flavourings based on spice oleoresinsAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates (Table 4 of Part 6)"	1 000 mg/kg in final food	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 4, via Table 4 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 5, Section A: Food additives added in nutrients except in nutrients intended to be used in foodstuffs listed in Part E, point 01.10, of Annex II and foodstuffs for infants and young children listed in Part E, point 13.1, of Annex II	In beta carotene, lutein, lycopene and vitamins A, D and E preparationsAuthorised as a member of Table 4 of Part 6 (Polysorbates), listed as "E 432 – E 436 Polysorbates (Table 4 of Part 6)" Can be used as a carrier: Yes	quantum satis only in beta carotene, lutein, lycopene and vitamin E preparations. In vitamin A and D preparations maximum level in final food 2 mg/kg	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 5, Section A, via Table 4 of Part 6

Every name it appears under

42 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

E432

INS number

CAS registry number

9005-64-5

As it appears in regulation

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20)
polysorbate 20

Other names

E 432
Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20)
Polysorbate 20
POLYSORBATES

Systematic names

2-hydroxyethyl 2-deoxy-3,5-bis-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-O-{2-[(9E)-octadec-9-enoyloxy]ethyl}hexofuranoside

Hazard reference values

EFSA and JECFA have both assessed Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate and their conclusions are not two comparable figures — EFSA records 25 mg/kg bw/day, JECFA 25 mg/kg bw/day (as total polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan esters). An acceptable daily intake is a reference value set by a committee, not a threshold above which harm begins. “Not specified”, “not limited” and “not allocated” are conclusions, not missing data, and they are shown in the words each body used rather than reduced to a number. See where the two committees differ.

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
Type	Value	Population	Assessed by	Opinion
ADI	25 mg/kg bw/day	consumers	EFSA ANS	2015
group ADI	25 mg/kg bw/day (as total polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan esters)	—	JECFA	2026

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

EFSA 2015
The ANS Panel found no concern regarding genotoxicity, carcinogenicity or developmental toxicity for polysorbates 20, 80, 40, 60 and 65 (E 432–E 436), and allocated a group ADI of 25 mg/kg bw/day (the SCF value had been 10). It noted that high-level toddler exposure was very close to the ADI and that more usage and analytical data were needed to reduce uncertainty.
Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 432?: E 432 is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate. Also known as polysorbate 20, this emulsifier is used in beverage bases, dressings and vitamin preparations.
What is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate used for in food?: It is listed as an emulsifier and a stabiliser — the role Codex and the US assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate permitted?: Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, the EU, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, the US and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate vegan?: It depends on the source, and a label will not tell you. Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate can be made from plant or animal material, manufacturers are not obliged to say which, and the same product can change between production runs. Anyone who needs to know has to ask the manufacturer.

Sources for this page

anz retrieved 2026-10-17
eu retrieved 2026-10-18
gb retrieved 2026-10-18
jp retrieved 2026-10-18
kr retrieved 2026-10-18
us-listings retrieved 2026-10-18
gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

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