What the Heck is THIS Doing in Your Salad Dressing?

You know how occasionally you have an Ah-Ha moment and it’s so profound that you make a decision right there and then to change something in your life?

Well, a few years ago I experienced just that on a cold winter morning while my family and I were sitting on an airplane waiting to undock from the terminal. The pilot came over the intercom and announced that the airplane had to undergo some de-icing as the wings had some light frost on them. We all pressed our noses to the window to watch (cuz frankly there’s not much else to do while you’re cramped in an airplane awaiting take off). The trucks came and a guy in an automatic ladder type apparatus sprayed down the wings with some colored liquid. One accidental glance at the truck and my mouth dropped. It said Propylene Glycol! THIS WAS THE VERY INGREDIENT THAT WAS IN MY FAVORITE SALAD DRESSING!

What is Propylene Glycol?

You ready for this? According to the CDC, Propylene glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid substance that absorbs water. It is used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing solutions. It is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.The FDA has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is “generally recognized as safe” for use in food.

Awww.. Doesn’t that make you feel like someone’s really looking out for your health? NOT! You Europeans don’t have to worry AS much, because your people in charge seem to have a slightly better grasp of reality. In the EU propylene glycol is limited to mostly non-food uses and when permitted it may only constitute 0.1-0.3% of a food product for human consumption (not perfect but better).

What’s it Used for?

Propylene glycol, like carrageenan is a multi faceted additive – it wears many hats. It is used:

as a solvent and carrier of flavour or colour in drinks, biscuits, cakes, sweets
as a thickener, clarifier and stabilizer in beer, salad dressings or baking mixtures
to keep animal feed moist
as a common diluent in injectable medications
to manufacture plastics, resins, paints, aircraft de-icers, liquid detergents
as a skin conditioning agent
as a lubricant for condoms
as a coolant and antifreeze

Does it Go By Any Other Name?

You bet!

E-1520, 1,2-DIHYDROXYPROPANE; 1,2-PROPANEDIOL; 2-HYDROXYPROPANOL; METHYLETHYL GLYCOL; PROPANE-1,2-DIOL; 1,2-DIHYDROXYPROPANE; 1,2-PROPYLENE GLYCOL; 1,2-PROPYLENGLYKOL (GERMAN) ; ALPHA-PROPYLENEGLYCOL; DOWFROST; METHYLETHYLENE GLYCOL (source)

Side Effects?

The FDA recognizes propylene glycol as ‘safe’ although it acknowledges that it has been known to cause nephrotoxicity (a poisonous effect on the kidneys) and renal failure in high doses. Children below 4 years of age, pregnant women and those with kidney dysfunction are particularly vulnerable as they cannot adequately eliminate propylene glycol from the body. This is demonstrated by a documented case of propylene glycol poisoning of an 8 month old who was being treated topically for 3rd degree burns. The product that was being applied contained high amounts of propylene glycol. Propylene glycol toxicity can also cause/affect:

the cardiovascular system
the central nervous system
seizures and seizure disorders
cardiomyopathies

Topically, propylene glycol is added to lotions and creams because it allows the products to penetrate deep within the skin, which of course raises concern that it can reach the bloodstream. According to the proprietary site propylene-glycol.com “when fed with propylene glycol containing feed, cats show an increase in Heinz body formation, which are deformities of erythrocytes and shorten the life time of the red blood cells. This effect is unique to cats.”

Where is it found?

NON FOOD

shampoo, deodorant, antipersperant, skin care lotion, cosmetics, toothpaste, mouth wash, sunscreen, baby wipes
condoms
room deodorizers
e-cigarettes
leather conditioner and auto care products
anti freeze and hydrualic fluid products
medication

FOOD

Salad Dressing and Sauces	Hidden Valley Light Original Ranch Salad Dressing Various Kraft salad dressing including Ranch, Creamy Italian, Golden Caesar, Blue Cheese etc… Wishbone Salad Dressings French’s Gourmayo Wasabi Horseradish condiment etc… K.C. Masterpiece Steakhouse Marinade and Garlic & Herb Marinade McCormick Golden Dipt Fat Free Tartar Sauce Fast Food Chain Sauces and Dips etc…
Baked Goods	Betty Crocker Muffin and cake mixes Duncan Hines cake mixes Hostess Cupcakes Pillsbury Moist Supreme Cake Mixes Sweet and Low Yellow Snack Cake Mix Various brands of Vanilla, Almond etc.. extracts and flavorings Various brands of icings McDonald’s Hotcakes, bagels etc… etc…
Other	Taco Bell products French’s French Fried Onions Sucrets throat losenges Dog food
Ice cream	Blue Bunny ‘Sweet Freedom’ Snack Size Vanilla Ice Cream Cones Nestle Ice Cream Sandwich etc…
Artificial Sweeteners	Mio Water Enhancer
Flavored Coffee Beans	Various
Dried fruit	Various
ETC…	Check your labels A more exhaustive list is available here

So…the moral of the story? I venture to say that a minuscule amount of propylene glycol probably isn’t going to kill you, but I’m more concerned with cumulative effects and limited studies done on it considering its vast use. By eating real, whole food you can easily bypass this nastiness and any potential side effects.