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Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol
Also known as: E490, 1‚2-propanediol, propane-1‚2-diol, 1‚2-dihydroxypropane, α-propylene glycol
Low concern
Propylene glycol is permitted as a food additive in the US (GRAS, 21 CFR 184.1666) and EU (E1520). EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation maintained an ADI of 25 mg/kg bw/day.
Found in
6,058 products
E-number
E490
What it is
Propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol; E1520 in EU, INS 1520 / 490-related Codex listings).
Humectant, solvent, carrier for flavors and colors, anticaking agent.
Why it's flagged
- Children at high consumption (beverages, cake mixes) can approach the EFSA ADI of 25 mg/kg bw/day
What regulators actually say
"The EFSA Panel concluded that there was no reason to revise the current ADI of 25 mg/kg bw per day."
"Propylene glycol is GRAS as a direct human food ingredient."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 184.1666).
European Union — EFSA
Authorised E1520; ADI 25 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2018).
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