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Polysorbate 80

Also known as: polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, E433

Moderate concernunder our published method

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier and dispersing agent used in some frozen desserts, pickles, vitamin preparations and oil-containing foods.

Why people ask

People ask because it appears on many packaged-food labels and has a detailed US food-additive rule.

What our method flags — by use

Food · US federal

In US food, our method rates polysorbate 80 as moderate-concern because it is listed with use-specific limits and conditions.

The US listed by 21 CFR 172.840 polysorbate 80 as a food additive under prescribed conditions for specified food uses.

Authority / sourceFinding (our paraphrase)Evidence tierDateLink
eCFR / US FDAThe US listed by 21 CFR 172.840 polysorbate 80 as a food additive under prescribed conditions for specified food uses.authority_regulatory2026-07-06source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, polysorbate 80 contributes a moderate concern signal from its additive status and use-specific conditions.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.
This is what Polysorbate 80 is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Related ingredients: carrageenancarboxymethylcellulose cellulose gum

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.