What is E1520?
Propylene glycol (E1520) is a solvent, humectant and carrier used in selected food formulations. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice multifunctional additives.
E1520 is propylene glycol, also called propane-1,2-diol. It can help dissolve, retain moisture or carry flavours and other ingredients in specified uses.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Propylene glycol?
E1520 is propylene glycol, also called propane-1,2-diol. It can help dissolve, retain moisture or carry flavours and other ingredients in specified uses.
What's it used for?
- Carrying flavours and colours
- Helping retain moisture
- Dissolving or dispersing ingredients
- Supporting texture in selected formulations
Where you'll find E1520 on the shelf
It is most relevant to flavour systems, confectionery, frostings, seasonings and specialised formulated foods.
Is E1520 safe? What the regulators say
Propylene glycol is authorised or permitted in all three systems checked, with food-category, purity and use-level conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists propylene glycol as additive 1520 in Schedule 15. The specific food class and GMP conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E1520 is included in the EU Union lists as an additive and carrier, with category and carry-over conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 184.1666 affirms propylene glycol as GRAS for specified food functions and sets maximum levels for several food categories. |
Goodnessly rates E1520 Caution to encourage awareness of multifunctional carriers and humectants. This is not a claim that authorised use causes harm.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 lists propylene glycol as additive 1520.
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 1130/2011 cover E1520 additive and carrier uses.
- 21 CFR 184.1666 provides the US propylene-glycol GRAS regulation and use limits.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer fewer multifunctional additives
- People comparing confectionery, frostings and flavour systems
- People following professional advice about a particular sensitivity
The technical function and amount can vary widely, so the full label and product type are useful context.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Propylene glycol
- Propane-1,2-diol
- 1520 or E1520
- Humectant / carrier (1520)
Look for propylene glycol, propane-1,2-diol or the functional class with the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E1520?
E1520 is propylene glycol, a solvent, humectant and carrier used in selected food formulations.
Is propylene glycol permitted?
Propylene glycol is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU, and is affirmed GRAS for specified uses under US 21 CFR 184.1666.
Why is propylene glycol rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a prompt to notice multifunctional carriers and compare the overall formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E1520?
Goodnessly rates E1520 (propylene glycol) as Caution.
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