21 CFR § 178.3450 - Esters of stearic and palmitic acids.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s178.3450"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 178.3450 - Esters of stearic and palmitic acids."
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "178.3450"
section_name: "Esters of stearic and palmitic acids."
chapter_name: "FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION"
part_number: "178"
part_name: "INDIRECT FOOD ADDITIVES: ADJUVANTS, PRODUCTION AIDS, AND SANITIZERS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 321, 342, 348, 379e."
regulatory_source: "42 FR 14609, Mar. 15, 1977, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "178"
---


# 178.3450 Esters of stearic and palmitic acids.

The ester stearyl palmitate or palmityl stearate or mixtures thereof may be safely used as adjuvants in food-packaging materials when used in accordance with the following prescribed conditions:

(a) They are used or intended for use as plasticizers or lubricants in polystyrene intended for use in contact with food.

(b) They are added to the formulated polymer prior to extrusion.

(c) The quantity used shall not exceed that required to accomplish the intended technical effect.