Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (MDG) are produced by a chemical reaction of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids(stearic acids) and citric acid. They are authorised in the EU as food additives under the number E 472c. Like other glycerol esters ( E 472a,b,d,e,f), the citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides act as emulsifiers and antioxidants. The citric acid esters of the MDG are considered to be harmless like the other ester compounds of the MDG and are permitted for all foods. Their use is not limited in quantity.
They are mainly used in cakes, biscuits, in puff pastry and ready-made baking mixtures, in bread and sausage.