Ingredient

Retinyl palmitate

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is used as a source of vitamin A in foods, particularly in fortified …

What is Retinyl palmitate?

Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid. It is a yellowish, crystalline solid. It is often produced synthetically or extracted from animal sources like fish liver oils.

Is Retinyl palmitate vegan?

No. Retinyl palmitate is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.

Is Retinyl palmitate a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Retinyl palmitate used for?

It is used as a source of vitamin A in foods, particularly in fortified products like breakfast cereals and beverages.

Is Retinyl palmitate safe?

Retinyl palmitate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.

Why it's used

It is used as a source of vitamin A in foods, particularly in fortified products like breakfast cereals and beverages. It acts as a nutrient to enhance the vitamin content of foods.

Health notes

Retinyl palmitate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety. High intakes of vitamin A from supplements or fortified foods can lead to adverse effects, but typical intakes from food sources are generally considered safe.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. It is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens requiring emphasis on UK food labels.

Foods that contain Retinyl palmitate

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: 17 October 2026

Note: This site presents label data from Open Food Facts for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.