Beware this dirty food additive: propylene glycol (PG).
This sweet-tasting chemical has many applications: it’s used in making plastic, paint, electronic cigarettes, solvents, automotive antifreeze, and of course, as a food preservative.
In a study by Karlstad University, PG has been linked to an increased risk of asthma, hay fever, eczema, and allergies, with increased risk ranging from 50% to 180%.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) cites it as a hazardous substance, causing liver, kidney, and skin damage upon contact.
Other studies done in vitro on mammals have found cell mutations.
In Europe, PG is limited to non-food uses, while our FDA labels it as safe for human consumption. The popular nutrition bar you see here is marketed for its health benefits. The front label deems it a “high protein energy bar” with low calories and carbs, and 3 grams of fiber. Sounds great, huh? The only thing they seemed to leave out on the label is this bar’s ability to de-ice airplanes…