Stearyl palmityl tartrate is a derivative of tartaric acid used as an emulsifier. It is produced by esterification of tartaric acid with commercial grade stearyl alcohol, which generally consists of a mixture of the fatty alcohols stearyl and palmityl alcohol. Stearyl palmityl tartrate consists mainly of diesters, with minor amounts of monoester and of unchanged starting materials.
Stearyl palmityl tartrate is used as emulsifier under the E number E 483. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations sets limits of use at 4 g/kg for bakery wares and 5 g/kg for dessert products.[1]
Use of stearyl palmityl tartrate is prohibited in Australia.