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HumectantINS 422
E422
Glycerol (glycerine)
What you need to know
Glycerol keeps soft lollies, icings and bars moist and chewy. It is a simple molecule the body also makes itself when digesting fat.
EFSA re-evaluated it in 2017 and found no safety concern.
Very large amounts can have a laxative effect, like the polyol sweeteners.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
Propane-1,2,3-triol. EFSA re-evaluation (2017): no safety concern; ADI 'not specified'.
Synthesis: Fat-derivedADI Not specified (acceptable)