Paleo Foundation
  • Get Started
    • Apply Now
      • Paleo
      • Keto
      • Grain-Free
      • Paleo + Keto
      • Paleo + Grain-Free
      • Keto + Grain-Free
      • Paleo + Keto + Grain-Free
    • Standards
      • Certified Paleo Standards
      • Keto Certified Standards
      • Grain-Free Certified Standards
  • Certifications
    • Paleo Certification
    • Keto Certification
    • Grain-Free Certification
  • Certified Brands
  • Case Studies
  • Research Library
  • More
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • News
      • Keto Diet
      • Grain-Free
      • Paleo Diet
      • Microbiome
      • Case Studies
      • Announcements
      • Ingredients
      • Business
      • Espanol

What Is Propylene Glycol and Why Is It in Our Food?

May 24, 2018 55565 views

Propylene glycol is a viscous, colorless liquid compound which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. It is found in industrial-grade levels in products like antifreeze, cushions, and paints.

In foods, the levels are considered pharmaceutical-grade and is a common food additive or ingredient in cosmetic products, spices, and natural flavors. Propylene glycol as a food additive is “generally recognized as safe” given its toxicological profile by The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol (1, 2-propanediol) is synthetic diol alcohol that is an almost tasteless and odorless compound derived from petroleum products. In pharmaceutical preparations, it is used as a solvent.

For cosmetic products, it stabilizes products keeping them from melting in high heat or freezing at lower temperatures. In food applications, it preserves moisture in products and helps dissolve colors and flavors. It is often used as:

  • An Anti-caking agent
  • An Antioxidant
  • Dough strengthener
  • Thickener
  • Stabilizer
  • Solvent
  • Emulsifier
  • Preservative

Propylene glycol is found in many different food products. However, in our experience, it is rarely listed on the nutrition label. That is because if it is used as a flavor or color, or carrier or solvent instead of a direct ingredient, it is not required to be listed on the nutrition label. Common foods that contain propylene glycol, but do not list them on the ingredient labels include:

  • Soft Drinks
  • Frozen Meals
  • Artificial Sweeteners
  • Foods with Natural Flavorings
  • Spices
  • Marinades and Dressings
  • Cake Mixes
  • Frosting
  • Food Colorings
  • Baked Goods

Arguments for the Use of Propylene Glycol in Food or Cosmetics

Propylene glycol as both a direct and indirect food ingredient additive is “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In Europe, it is only allowed to be used as a solvent or emulsifier, and must not exceed 0.45 grams per pound in the final product.

Apart from people with allergies, or cases of excessive consumption, there have been no other reported cases of its adverse or toxic effects in foods. In fact, the toxicity profile is very low, and the incidence of toxicity is rare.

In fact, most cases of toxicity resulted from high doses of medication or unusual circumstances, such as one man who drank the contents of an ice pack. To date, no reports have shown that it is linked to cancer or reproductive health concerns, and, there are no reported deaths on record from its consumption.

Arguments Against the Use of Propylene Glycol in Food or Cosmetics

Main Argument Against the Inclusion:

The World Health Organization recommends a maximum consumption of 25 mg/kg/day (1. 8 g/day for a 75 kg male) of propylene glycol when used as a food additive. Although toxicity is rare, estimates suggest that current intakes are above the recommended level.  Therefore, it may be wise to reduce the dietary sources of the compound.

Potential Health Risk:

In individuals with normal liver and kidney function, propylene glycol is removed from the blood reasonably quickly and excreted. However, in individuals with kidney disease or liver disease, this process may not be as efficient.

This may lead to a buildup of propylene glycol and lactic acid in the bloodstream, causing symptoms of toxicity and acidosis. Therefore, it may be dangerous for those with kidney or liver disease.

Allergenicity:

It is estimated that roughly 3.5% of people have an allergy to propylene glycol. The most common skin reaction, or dermatitis, is the development of a rash on the face, or a generalized rash all over the body from exposure. Systemic, generalized dermatitis has been reported after eating foods with propylene glycol, or from taking medications that contain it.

Availability of Substitutes:

A common substitute is Propanediol. Propanediol is derived from corn sugar fermentation instead of petroleum.  Further, there are non-synthetic substances that are available that are perfect substitutes.

Why It Is Not Allowed in Paleo Certification:

Propanediol and Propylene Glycol are not allowed in any Paleo Certification programs. Propylene Glycol is a synthetic substance, Propanediol is derived from grains. Further, Paleo substitutes are widely available.

How to Avoid Propylene Glycol in your Food

The majority of foods containing propylene glycol are processed foods. By consuming a fresh whole foods diet, you can avoid most sources. While life doesn’t always work that way, you can rest assured that Certified Paleo products do not contain these additives.

Propylene glycol is not an allowed cosmetic ingredient or food additive in our programs. Certified Products were screened against during the auditing process to ensure that they do not contain it.

Comments

comments

health
Previous article Paleo Foundation Food Philosophy
Next article Ractopamine in Animal Feed
Karen Pendergrass

Karen Pendergrass

ENTP polemicist and enthusiast in a myriad of areas including agricultural sustainability, applications of bacteriotherapy, autoimmunity, color theory, hard determinism, gut microbiome, fiber, antioxidants, and psychology. Founder of The Paleo Foundation and Cetogenica.com. Agnostic in general— except for I know with certainty that pineapples do not belong on pizza.

Comments

  • Caroline Caroline August 13, 14:14

    Jan, I have the same allergy and have been using products with this substance which was reccomeneded by doctors and dermatologists for years before I knew I was allergic. Unfortunately it is not different in america. My doctors insisted I use more steroids creams and packs and allergy medications before even thinking about testing for sensitivity even when I told them the products were making it worse. I now mention this to every doctor I come into with to make them aware because unfortunately it is a fault to the big Pharma. In America is is also hard to find packaged food that lists this as in ingredient because it is not required ?!!! I cannot beleive this can be allowed. If someone was deathly allergic to peanuts would you not list peanuts on the ingredient list because it was only in trace amounts ?

    Reply
    • Sarah Sarah March 07, 09:01

      Agreed!!! I don’t know if I have an allergy but I do know that if I eat even one bite of something containing propylene glycol that I wind up with the worst stomachache and vomiting the entire contents of my stomach out over the next 12 hours. Horrible, and often it happens when I eat something that does not list it as an ingredient!

      Reply
Post Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Latests News

Keto Claims in the European Union: Rules and Regulations on Products

Keto Claims in the European Union: Rules and Regulations on Products

April 14, 2022
Purely Elizabeth’s Grain-Free Pancakes: an Innovative Strategy

Purely Elizabeth’s Grain-Free Pancakes: an Innovative Strategy

The Complex Associations between Diet and the Environment 

The Complex Associations between Diet and the Environment 

February 11, 2022
Kevin’s Natural Foods: Market Analysis and Innovation to Create a Niche

Kevin’s Natural Foods: Market Analysis and Innovation to Create a Niche

HPAEC PAD for Net Carbohydrate Claims on Keto Product Packaging

December 7, 2021
Keto Market Growth and Trends Forecasts 2021

Keto Market Growth and Trends Forecasts 2021

14
Apr 10:16

Keto Claims in the European Union: Rules and Regulations on Products

18
Feb 10:00

Purely Elizabeth’s Grain-Free Pancakes: an Innovative Strategy

11
Feb 01:54

The Complex Associations between Diet and the Environment 

13
Jan 10:10

Kevin’s Natural Foods: Market Analysis and Innovation to Create a Niche

07
Dec 06:12

HPAEC PAD for Net Carbohydrate Claims on Keto Product Packaging

03
Dec 09:38

Keto Market Growth and Trends Forecasts 2021

  1. Announcements
  2. Business
  3. Case Studies
  4. Case Study
  5. Commentary
  6. Discussion
  7. Espanol
  8. Fitness
  9. Grain-Free
  10. Health
  11. Ingredients
  12. Interviews
  13. Keto Diet
  14. Market
  1. Methodology
  2. Microbiome
  3. Misc.
  4. News
  5. Opinion
  6. Other
  7. Paleo Diet
  8. Philosophy
  9. Products
  10. Recipes
  11. Research
  12. Sustainability
  13. Thanksgiving

Popular Posts

5 Consejos para el Equilibrio Hormonal Femenino

5 Consejos para el Equilibrio Hormonal Femenino

August 14, 2018
What’s Your Paleo Poop Telling you?

What’s Your Paleo Poop Telling you?

August 11, 2018
Ceylon vs Cassia : 9 Important Things You Need to Know about Cinnamon

Ceylon vs Cassia : 9 Important Things You Need to Know about Cinnamon

November 9, 2016
19 Gluten Cross-Reactive Foods Busted Myth

19 Gluten Cross-Reactive Foods Busted Myth

Best Ever Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Best Ever Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

October 11, 2016
alcohol 4
breakfast 15
Business 2
case study 30
Certification 2
community 5
desserts 29
Diet 8
fall 30
Grain Free Diet 1
health 36
holiday season 10
Interviews 5
keto certification 1
keto vegan 1
main 25
Opinion 4
PCR 2
Philosophy 5
Popular 12
PRR 1
sides 16
Sustainability 6
trade news 1
why get certified 10
© 2022 Copyright Paleo Foundation. All Rights reserved.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Report an Infringement
Close Window

Loading, Please Wait!

This may take a second or two. Loading, Please Wait!