Propylene glycol
Safe in tiny amounts as a flavor carrier; avoid large amounts.
- Category
- Carriers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A synthetic liquid used heavily as a solvent for flavors and colors (often labeled as E1520 in the EU).
How it is used in food
Propylene glycol is a solvent and carrier that dissolves flavours, colours and extracts which neither water nor oil will handle, and it is a humectant that holds moisture in icings, fillings and soft baked goods, preventing them drying out or crystallising.
Commonly found in- Flavorings
- Vape juice
- Soft drinks
Health and safety
Generally recognized as safe at very low levels, though high doses can cause toxicity. Better known by its EU code E1520.
EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation of propylene glycol (E 1520) set an ADI of 25 mg/kg body weight per day based on kidney effects at high doses, and noted that high consumers of flavoured foods and food supplements could approach or exceed it. The documented human toxicity — lactic acidosis and central nervous system effects — comes from massive doses in intravenous medications, not from food use.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E490
Worth knowing
E 490 and E 1520 are the same substance under two numbers, with E 1520 the code actually used on EU labels. The same fluid is the base of most vaping liquids and of theatrical fog, and it is also the non-toxic antifreeze used where ethylene glycol would be hazardous.
Conclusion
Safe in tiny amounts as a flavor carrier; avoid large amounts.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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