E1521: Polyethylene Glycol
Main role: coating and carrying ingredients
Also listed as: PEG, macrogol
What is E1521 (Polyethylene Glycol)?
Polyethylene glycol is a polymer family with specified molecular-size ranges for food uses. Its technical applications include certain supplement formulations and coatings under defined conditions.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is coating and carrying ingredients. A carrier helps incorporate another ingredient, while a processing ingredient may support a manufacturing step or coating. The final declaration and exposure depend on the application and the labeling rules in the relevant market.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified food supplement coatings
- Supplement preparations
- Authorized carriers
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E1521, E 1521, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include PEG, macrogol. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
PEG preparations differ in molecular size and intended use. A food additive declaration should not be treated as a dose of a laxative medicine with a similar name.
Is E1521 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E1521 as Polyethylene glycol. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.