Food Grade Glycol

Food Grade Glycol is also marketed as propylene glycol USP and is approved for food and pharmaceutical use. Propane-1,2-diol in IUPAC nomenclature, it is an organic diol with a chemical formula of C₃H₈O₂ and a CAS number of 57-55-6. Food grade glycol is a viscous, clear, and nearly odorless liquid and tastes faintly sweet. It shares similar characteristics with glycerin: hygroscopic, soluble with water, acetone, and chloroform. Food grade glycol has a specific boiling point of 188.2°C and a melting point of -59°C. It also has a vapor density of 2.6 (Air=1), a vapor pressure of 0.129 (25°C), and a specific gravity of 1.0361.

Food grade glycol is relatively non-toxic especially if used in minimal amounts. There is no known ill effect if inhaled. Some people may experience stomach upset or transient central nervous system failure while effects seem to be aggravated in patients suffering with kidney problems. Food grade glycol can also be a mild skin irritant and defatting agent especially with prolonged contact and may cause eye stinging and tearing. Long term consumption can lead to lactic acidosis, stupor, and seizures as reported.

Food grade Glycol is used in salad dressings, cake mixes, soft drinks, popcorn, food colorings, fat-free ice cream and sour cream. It also protects food from freezing and is used as a preservative.

Product is readily biodegradable and is expected to leach into groundwater after being released into the soil. It has a half-life of one to ten days when released into the air. Container should be protected from physical damage. Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat, moisture and incompatible substances. Product container should be disposed off immediately for they may contain residues.

Food grade glycol of Chemicals Direct has been packaged in compliance with USP standards. Labeling a product or a substance as USP implies that it conforms to all the legal requirements of the FDA and that it was produced in accordance with the principles outlined in FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Products are available in different sizes and ready to be shipped within the day.