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E1520 Propylene Glycol – Food Additive Explained

E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is an approved food additive used as a humectant, solvent, and carrier in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

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Things worth knowing about "E1520"

E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is an approved food additive used as a humectant, solvent, and carrier in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

What is E1520 (Propylene Glycol)?

E1520, chemically known as Propylene Glycol (also: propan-1,2-diol or 1,2-propanediol), is a synthetically produced, colorless and odorless alcohol used in the food industry as an approved additive. It belongs to the category of humectants and solvents and is listed by the European Union under the E-number E1520.

Uses and Applications

Propylene Glycol is used across a wide range of products:

Food products: As a humectant in baked goods, confectionery, flavorings, and spice blends to prevent drying out.
Food flavorings: As a carrier and solvent for flavorings and colorants.
Cosmetics and personal care products: In creams, lotions, deodorants, and oral care products as a moisturizing agent.
Pharmaceuticals: As an excipient in oral, topical, and intravenous medications, as well as in inhalation products (e.g., e-cigarette liquids).
Technical applications: As an antifreeze agent in food processing facilities and cooling systems.

Mechanism of Action

Propylene Glycol is strongly hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and binds water molecules from its surroundings. This keeps food products and cosmetics moist and prevents them from drying out. As a solvent, it enables the uniform distribution of flavorings, colorants, and active ingredients throughout a product.

Safety and Tolerability

Propylene Glycol is considered safe (GRAS – Generally Recognized as Safe) when used normally in food products and has been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been set at 25 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Excessive intake – particularly through high-dose pharmaceutical formulations – may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, or in rare cases toxic reactions.
Individuals with a propylene glycol sensitivity or allergy may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Increased caution is advised in infants and individuals with impaired kidney function, as metabolism may be slowed.

Regulation in the EU

In the European Union, E1520 is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Its use is restricted to specific food categories and subject to defined maximum permitted levels. Labeling requirements across Germany and the EU follow the same regulatory framework.

Difference from Ethylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is often confused with Ethylene Glycol, a toxic antifreeze compound. However, Propylene Glycol is significantly less toxic and is considered safe for human use when consumed within approved limits.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of propan-1,2-diol (E 1520) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2018.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) – Monograph on Propylene Glycol, WHO Food Additives Series.

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