About
Glycerol is a naturally occurring trihydric alcohol (1,2,3-propanetriol) produced from vegetable oils and fats. It is used in food as a humectant, carrier solvent, emulsifier, thickener, and sweetener to retain moisture, improve texture, and extend shelf life.
Safety summary
EFSA concluded in 2017 that there is no need for a numerical ADI and no safety concern for the general population at reported use levels. Glycerol shows low acute toxicity, no genotoxic or carcinogenic concern, and any gastrointestinal irritation at high doses is attributed to hygroscopic and osmotic effects. A specific concern exists for infants and toddlers, who can reach the estimated lowest therapeutic oral dose (125 mg/kg bw/hour) by consuming less than one 330 mL can of a flavoured drink.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (Annexes II and III). No numerical ADI established. Specifications updated by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1329 to lower limits for toxic elements (As, Pb, Hg, Cd), add acrolein limit, and restrict manufacturing to vegetable-oil-derived, distillation-purified glycerol. Used quantum satis in numerous food categories.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | Authorised under assimilated Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 at quantum satis in flavoured drinks. Industry guidance advises that slush ice drinks containing glycerol should not be sold to children under 7 years; children under 10 should be limited to one 350 mL drink per day. Free-refill business models are not recommended where children under 10 will consume them.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Approved as a processing aid (INS 422) for all food categories at GMP levels under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011. Also listed as a polishing agent for all foods at GMP.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Glycerin – Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) Database. hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 2other. Approved additives and E numbers – E422 Glycerol (UK Food Standards Agency). food.gov.uk
- 3FSSAI. Active list of processing aids allowed for use by Food Business Operators under FSS (FPS & FA) Regulations 2011, 2024. fssai.gov.in
- 4other. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1329 of 29 June 2023 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and specifications for glycerol (E 422) in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, 2023. eur-lex.europa.eu
- 5EFSA. Follow-up of the re-evaluation of glycerol (E 422) as a food additive, 2022. efsa.europa.eu
- 6