Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier made from glycerol and fatty acids, usually from castor bean or soybean oil. It is commonly used in chocolate, compound chocolate, and similar coatings to reduce viscosity and improve processing characteristics. PGPR works by decreasing the friction between the solid particles in molten chocolate, reducing the yield stress so that it flows more easily. It can also be used as an emulsifier in spreads and salad dressings, or to improve the texture of baked goods. PGPR is a safe ingredient, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other international regulatory authorities have reviewed it and indicate that it is safe and suitable for use in food production. In fact, human studies conducted in the 1950s and 1960s showed that the consumption of PGPR by humans produced no adverse effects.