Food and Flavorings

cherry pie

Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP) can be used for direct as well as indirect food additive applications (21CFR184.1666) and is tested against the requirements of the:

  • Food Chemicals Codex (FCC)
  • United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
  • European Pharmacopoeia (EP)
  • Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP)

It also meets the requirements of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (FB).

PG USP/EP is used as:

  • Humectant and stabilizer (in prepared fruits, vegetables and bakery goods)
  • Solvent in flavor solutions and extractions (and in food additives, such as colors, antioxidants, enzymes and emulsifiers)
  • Plasticizer and softening agent for items such as cork seals

It also has the following uses:

  • Heat transfer fluids for food and beverage chilling and freezing applications
  • Solvent for printing inks used in food packaging
  • Equipment cleaner, to remove contamination from food processing equipment

In countries of the European Union, propylene glycol is not cleared as a general-purpose food grade product or direct food additive. The European Council Directive 95/2/EC on food additives regulates its use in foodstuffs for human consumption.

Propylene glycol is cleared for use as a carrier and carrier solvent in colors, emulsifiers, antioxidants and enzymes at a maximum content of 1 gram per kilogram of final foodstuff. Propylene glycol was assigned the E-number E1520.

For Additional Information:

Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association†

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