Is Vegetable Propylene Glycol Safe To Be Used Additive In Food Industry?
Vegetable Propylene Glycol is an ingredient used in antifreeze, cosmetic items, and hygiene products, among other things. At the same time, food authorities in the US and UK have certified it as generally safe for food use.
This has led to concerns related to the ingredient’s safety to be used in food. People are worried about the possible toxic effects of Vegetable Propylene Glycol online.
This article delves into the matter, looking into what exactly is Vegetable Propylene Glycol and if it is safe for consumption in food items.
What Is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol, considered from the point of view of the food industry, is a food additive. It is colorless and odorless, with a slightly thick, viscous consistency, and has no taste if consumed on its own.
It aids in dissolving substances better than water and is good at moisture retention. These qualities have made Propylene Glycol a much sought-after food additive. It can be found in a very wide variety of processed food and beverages.
Propylene glycol sounds similar to Ethylene Glycol, and one is often confused for the other, as both are used in antifreeze due to their low melting points. However, Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to humans and not fit for food products.
What Are The Uses Of Vegetable Propylene Glycol In the Food Industry?
As an additive, Vegetable Propylene glycol helps in the processing of foods and aids in improving the flavor, texture, and shelf life.
Propylene glycol proves useful in the food industry through these ways:
1 – Antioxidant: Vegetable Propylene glycol extends the shelf life of foods by protecting them against deterioration caused by oxygen.
2 – Dough Strengthener: It alters the starches and gluten in the dough, making it more stable.
3 – Anti-Caking Agent: Certain food components tend to stick to each other when kept together, forming clumps, such as dried soups or grated cheese. Vegetable Propylene glycol prevents it from happening and keeps the food components separate.
4 – Moisture Preserver: PG helps maintain a stable moisture level in foods and prevents them from drying out. Items like marshmallows, coconut flakes, and nuts are preserved using PG.
5 – Stabilizer And thickener: As a stabilizer, PG is used to hold food components together or create a thicker consistency during and after processing. It is used in soups, puddings, sauces, etc.
6 – Emulsifier: PG is also useful to bind ingredients together and keep them from separating, such as margarine, ice cream, salad dressing, etc.
Summary
Vegetable Propylene glycol is safe for humans and finds widespread use in the food industry. It is not to be confused with Ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical used in antifreeze, brake fluids, paints, etc. If you are looking for Propylene Glycol Suppliers, please click here.
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