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| E-Number | E1520 |
| FDA Status | FDA classifies propylene glycol as GRAS (21 CFR 184.1666) for direct addition to food at levels not to exceed 5% of tota… |
| EFSA Status | EFSA established a group ADI of 25 mg/kg body weight/day for propylene glycol (E 1520) in 2018. EFSA noted that dietary … |
| ADI | 25 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA group ADI) |
| Severity | Moderate Risk (6/10) |
A synthetic organic compound that is a colorless, nearly odorless, slightly sweet liquid. It belongs to the same chemical class as ethylene glycol (antifreeze) but is considered significantly less toxic. Propylene glycol is used as a humectant, solvent, and preservative in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and e-cigarette liquids. It is also used as an antifreeze in food-grade applications.
Propylene glycol absorbs water and helps maintain moisture in food products. It acts as a solvent for food colors, flavors, and antioxidants that are not soluble in water. In the body, it is metabolized in the liver via alcohol dehydrogenase to lactic acid and pyruvic acid. At high doses, it can cause hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, and CNS depression. Cases of toxicity have been reported with IV medications containing propylene glycol as a solvent.
FDA classifies propylene glycol as GRAS (21 CFR 184.1666) for direct addition to food at levels not to exceed 5% of total food weight. It is approved as an emulsifier, humectant, solvent, and dough strengthener. Also approved for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
EFSA established a group ADI of 25 mg/kg body weight/day for propylene glycol (E 1520) in 2018. EFSA noted that dietary exposure can exceed the ADI in high consumers, particularly children. Recommended reduced maximum use levels in some food categories.
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| # | Product | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King Soopers, City Market, Give Thanks Seasonal Chocolate Cake | The Kroger Co. | 0/100 |
| 2 | MAINE BLUEBERRY BELGIAN WAFFLE CONE ICE CREAM, MAINE BLUEBERRY BELGIAN WAFFLE CONE | The Kroger Co. | 0/100 |
| 3 | BLACK RASPBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE CHUNK ICE CREAM, BLACK RASPBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE CHUNK | The Kroger Co. | 2/100 |
| 4 | BLACK RASPBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE CHUNK ICE CREAM, BLACK RASPBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE CHUNK | The Kroger Co. | 2/100 |
| 5 | Denali Mint Moose Tracks Ice Cream | Private Selection | 3/100 |
| 6 | VANILLA BAR WITH NESTLE CRUNCH COATING FROZEN DAIRY DESSERT BAR, VANILLA | Big Drum | 7/100 |
| 7 | NESTLE, SKINNY COW, ICE CREAM SANDWICHES, VANILLA & CHOCOLATE, VANILLA & CHOCOLATE | Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc. | 7/100 |
| 8 | PRIVATE SELECTION, ENGLISH TOFFEE CARAMEL ICE CREAM | The Kroger Co. | 7/100 |
| 9 | DENALI EXTREME MOOSE TRACKS ICE CREAM, DENALI EXTREME MOOSE TRACKS | The Kroger Co. | 7/100 |
| 10 | ICE CREAM | The Kroger Co. | 7/100 |
Showing top 10 of 198 products. Download CheckIt AI to scan any product.
Average safety score for products containing Propylene Glycol: 56/100
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Download CheckIt AI — Scan Free →⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
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CheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Propylene Glycol? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propylene-glycol"What Is Propylene Glycol? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-04-17. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propylene-glycol.<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propylene-glycol">What Is Propylene Glycol? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>@misc{checkit2026ingredientspropyleneglycol,
title = {What Is Propylene Glycol? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI},
author = {CheckIt AI},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/propylene-glycol},
note = {Retrieved 2026-04-17}
}