How Is Propylene Glycol Alginate (E405)? - Facts That You Need To Know

 

When you buy packed foods, you might have noticed that in the ingredients section, there are some alphanumeric codes like “E1230.” Well, these are codes for emulsifiers; all of them start with ‘E’ and are followed by three or four numbers. PGA, commonly known as propylene glycol alginate is also an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener used in ice cream, salad dressing, and beer.

This is an ester, which is made from propylene glycol (E1520) and alginic acid (E400) and the code for this European food additive is E405. Propylene glycol alginate is a multi-purpose ingredient and is vegan, gluten-free, synthetic, and completely safe to use.

How is the food additive used?

In the molecule of the PGA, the propylene glycol group is a lipophilic end, which can be combined with facts, giving it lipophilicity. Also, in this molecule, the uronic acid has a hydrophilic end with several hydroxyl and carboxyl groups that can be coupled with proteins. As a result of having both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups, the PGA molecule has outstanding emulsifying, stabilizing, and thickening properties. It may be used in the following food items:

• Acidic beverages (ice cream, beer, salad dressings, yogurt, fruit drinks)
• Bakery
• Beer
• Dairy products
• Frozen foods
• Jelly
• Sport drinks

How does it work as a food additive?

1. Propylene glycol alginate contributes to the smooth and natural texture and flavor of food, even when reduced, as in yogurt.
2. It contributes to the glossy and smooth look of items.
3. PGA mixes well with other substances and may be used in any pH range throughout the fermentation process. Furthermore, it increases product miscibility and solubility and is heat stable.
4. Propylene glycol alginate not only stabilizes but also emulsifies.

Is it safe to consume?

The PGA is an ester of alginic acid, derived from brown seaweed and is an excellent stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener. These brown seaweeds have been used as food items for several centuries, but since 1929, they are manufactured on an industrial scale.

This food additive is approved as ‘safe’ by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).

Dietary exposure to propylene glycol alginate is conceivable as a consequence of its use as an inert component in goods. It can be used as a flavoring adjuvant, surfactant, emulsifier, stabilizer, formulation aid, or thickening, according to the FDA. Most importantly, the WHO’s Committee on Food Additives established an acceptable daily consumption for PGA of up to 70 mg/kg body weight.

Its low toxicity, quick biodegradation, and non-bioaccumulate properties reduce the probability of causing harm to human health. If it is swallowed, it will either be absorbed or digested via a recognized metabolic pathway to create acetate, lactate, or glycogen. Otherwise, it will be expelled almost entirely as the parent molecule.

As a result, the hazards to human health from consuming PGA are anticipated to be low, hence, safe when taken in moderate quantity. Make sure the PGA quality is good or it can affect your digestive health. Cape Crystal Brands offers top-quality propylene glycol alginate products that you can consume without hesitation. To know more about our products, visit our website (https://www.capecrystalbrands.com/) or contact us at 908-273-5600 and info@capecrystalbrands.com.