FDA Status
GRAS
Propylene Glycol (E1520), CAS 57-55-6, is a processing aid additive holding a composite safety score of 4 out of 5 (Low Risk). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 467 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Ice cream, flavoring extracts, cake mixes.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Propylene Glycol to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Propylene Glycol, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2018/04/05, with an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 25. EFSA has noted an overexposure risk classification of "no" for typical consumption patterns. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E1520 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 57-55-6 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Processing Aid | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 25 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 467 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
4.0 / 5
Composite Safety Low Risk
Safety Score: 4 out of 5
Safety Rating 80.0%
EU Status
Approved
E1520
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Propylene Glycol receives a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Propylene Glycol as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Propylene Glycol. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Propylene Glycol?
Solvent and humectant. Also in antifreeze (non-toxic grade).
Health Concerns
- Safe in food. Food-grade differs from industrial.
Common Uses
Ice cream, flavoring extracts, cake mixes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Propylene Glycol safe to consume?
Propylene Glycol has a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Propylene Glycol used for in food?
Propylene Glycol is commonly used as: Ice cream, flavoring extracts, cake mixes. It belongs to the Processing Aid category of food additives.
Is Propylene Glycol banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Propylene Glycol. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Propylene Glycol?
The FDA classifies Propylene Glycol as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E1520). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Propylene Glycol?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Propylene Glycol: Safe in food. Food-grade differs from industrial.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Propylene Glycol calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Propylene Glycol is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial