Is E1520 halal?

What is E1520?

Propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol) is a clear, slightly sweet liquid made by reacting propylene oxide, a petrochemical, with water and then distilling the product. In food it is used mainly as a carrier and solvent for flavourings, colours and other additives.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

It is made from petrochemicals, not from animal fat or alcoholic drinks. A route from glycerol exists, but EFSA notes it does not reach the purity required for E1520 without extra purification. The real question is usually the flavouring it carries, not the propylene glycol.

How to check the label

No check is needed for propylene glycol itself. If it appears as part of a flavouring, the flavouring may contain other doubtful ingredients, so a halal certificate from a recognised body helps.

Where you'll find it

• food flavourings
• colour preparations
• soft drinks
• sweets
• baked goods

Good to know

• The acceptable daily intake is 25 mg/kg body weight per day, set in 1996 and confirmed by EFSA in 2018.
• In the EU it may only be used as a carrier for other additives, flavourings and nutrients, not added directly; drinks may contain up to 1,000 mg/L from all sources.

Similar additives

• E102 Tartrazine Generally halal
• E110 Sunset Yellow FCF Generally halal
• E124 Ponceau 4R Generally halal
• E129 Allura Red AC Generally halal
• E133 Brilliant Blue FCF Generally halal
• E200 Sorbic acid Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol E 1520 (2018)

Frequently asked questions