YenzoWhat is E1520 (propylene glycol)?
Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT (Appendix 1) lists INS 1520 with the functions: emulsifier, carrier, glazing agent, humectant.
E1520Propane-1,2-diol (propylene glycol)
E1520 is propylene glycol. In Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT it is listed with the functions: emulsifier, carrier, glazing agent, humectant.
Did you know? In the EU, E1520 is not authorised to be added directly to food (Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008); it reaches food only as a carrier in additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients (Annex III).
- Code
- E1520 · INS 1520
- Group
- Emulsifier, Carrier, Glazing agent, Humectant
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E1520 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, emulsifier (1520), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
emulsifier (1520)emulsifier 1520E1520INS 1520On Vietnamese labels: Propylen glycol
Propane-1,2-diol in food
Processed fruit products
Cocoa spreadsHard and soft candy, nougatChewing gumFresh and cooked pasta and noodlesBread and fine bakery waresEmulsified sauces (mayonnaise, salad dressing)Vitamin and mineral supplements
Potato, cereal and starch snacksQuestions about propane-1,2-diol
Is propane-1,2-diol harmful?
In 2018 EFSA re-evaluated propane-1,2-diol (E 1520) and concluded there was no reason to revise the current ADI of 25 mg/kg body weight a day. According to EFSA, in the brand-loyal scenario mean and high (95th percentile) exposure did not exceed the ADI in any population group (high exposure ranged from 0.4 to 23.3 mg/kg body weight a day across age groups). For all age groups except infants the main contributors were fine bakery wares and flavoured drinks.
Is propylene glycol permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Propylene glycol (INS 1520) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E1520?
EFSA (2018) noted that the renal clearance of propane-1,2-diol in young infants up to about 3 months of age is much lower than in adults. Under Annex III, Part 5, Section A of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, as cited by EFSA, E 1520 as a carrier in nutrients does not apply to nutrients intended for foods for infants and young children listed in point 13.1 of Part E of Annex II. The source says nothing specific about pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other emulsifiers
E1450Starch sodium octenyl succinatevery lowE1451Acetylated oxidised starchvery lowE1503Castor oillowE1505Triethyl citratevery lowE1518Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin)lowE1521Polyethylene glycollow
See all emulsifiers →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e1520)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A
- Re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol (E 1520) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 2018;16(4):5235