Glycol
As a generic umbrella term, 'glycol' could refer to permitted food-grade propylene glycol or PEGs, or to toxic ethylene glycol which is not permitted in food. The lack of specificity warrants caution.
What it is
'Glycol' is a generic term for diols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycols; without further specification it is ambiguous.
Solvent, humectant (only certain glycols like propylene glycol and PEG are food-permitted).
Why it's flagged
- If propylene glycol: EFSA ADI 25 mg/kg bw/day
What regulators actually say
"Propylene glycol... is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
"EFSA Panel established an ADI of 25 mg/kg bw per day for propylene glycol (E 1520)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Propylene glycol is GRAS (21 CFR 184.1666); ethylene glycol is not permitted in food
European Union — EFSA
EFSA established ADI of 25 mg/kg bw for propylene glycol (E 1520)
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