Butane-1,3-diol (E1502): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Butane-1,3-diol, also called 1,3-butylene glycol, is a synthetic diol used as a carrier solvent and humectant, chiefly to dissolve flavourings. The body metabolises it to beta-hydroxybutyrate, a normal ketone-body energy substrate, and JECFA has evaluated it and assigned an acceptable daily intake. It is not authorised as a food additive in the EU or UK, though some non-EU markets permit it as a flavour solvent.
- Category
- Humectant / Solvent — Carrier solvent
- Typically used in
- Carrier solvent and humectant for flavourings.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as a food additive in the EU or UK; JECFA has assigned an ADI and some non-EU markets permit it as a flavouring carrier solvent.
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Where this comes from
- JECFA (1979) — Butane-1,3-diol WHO and FAO JECFA evaluations database https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/1579
- UK Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Butane-1,3-diol
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