Polyoxypropylene-Polyoxyethylene Polymers (E497): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Poloxamers are nonionic block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene used as surfactants, wetting agents and defoamers. They are largely unabsorbed and of low acute toxicity, but as synthetic surfactants they are permitted only in limited applications. The US FDA authorises copolymer condensates of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide under 21 CFR 172.808, and they are not authorised for general food use in the EU.
- Category
- Emulsifier / Stabiliser — Block-copolymer surfactant
- Typically used in
- Surfactant, wetting agent and defoamer in limited food applications.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised in the EU; permitted in the US for limited uses under 21 CFR 172.808. Codex INS 497.
- Also listed as
- Poloxamers
Scrannr flags Polyoxypropylene-Polyoxyethylene Polymers automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- US FDA eCFR (2024) — 21 CFR 172.808 Copolymer condensates of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-172/subpart-I/section-172.808
Products containing Polyoxypropylene-Polyoxyethylene Polymers
We're building product pages that show real UK products containing Polyoxypropylene-Polyoxyethylene Polymers, using Open Food Facts data. They'll appear here soon — in the meantime, scan any barcode with the Scrannr app to check for it instantly.
Let Scrannr read the label.
Scan a barcode and get the additives flagged in plain English, plus a clear health score. Free to download.