# Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate (E1520)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**E-number:** E1520
**CAS number:** 156324-82-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate is a synthetic flavoring compound that combines menthol derivatives with propylene glycol carbonate chemistry. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverage products to provide cooling, minty sensations.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate?

Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate (CAS Number: 156324-82-2) is a synthetic flavoring agent created through the chemical combination of menthol-derived compounds with propylene glycol carbonate. This compound belongs to the class of organic chemicals designed to enhance or modify flavor profiles in food and beverage applications. The menthol component provides characteristic cooling and minty taste attributes, while the propylene glycol carbonate base contributes to its functional properties as a flavoring adjuvant.

## Common Uses

Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate is utilized primarily in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. Its applications include:

- Confectionery products (candies, breath mints, chewing gums)
- Beverage flavorings (particularly those requiring cooling sensations)
- Oral care products (toothpastes, mouthwashes)
- Pharmaceutical formulations requiring flavor masking
- Functional foods and supplements with minty profiles

The compound's dual nature—providing both flavor and functional benefits—makes it valuable in products where organoleptic properties and texture modification are important.

## Safety Assessment

Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA under 21 CFR Part 182. However, this designation does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that the compound has not undergone the specific GRAS notification process with the FDA.

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with this additive. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests that any exposure through food products has not generated documented health concerns in the population.

As a propylene glycol-based compound, Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate shares some chemical characteristics with propylene glycol, which is widely recognized as safe by the FDA and EFSA for use in food. Propylene glycol is approved as a food additive in numerous countries and is used extensively in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications without significant safety concerns.

The menthol component is also well-established in food applications and is recognized as safe in traditional culinary use and modern food manufacturing. Menthol derived from peppermint and spearmint has a long history of use in foods and beverages.

## Regulatory Status

Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate's regulatory status varies by jurisdiction:

- **United States**: Not on the FDA's GRAS list; use may be permitted under food additive regulations or as a flavoring ingredient under 21 CFR Part 182, though specific authorization should be verified
- **European Union**: Use would typically fall under the Flavoring Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; specific approval status should be confirmed with relevant authorities
- **Other jurisdictions**: Regulatory approval varies and should be verified in individual countries

Manufacturers using this additive must ensure compliance with applicable regulations in their target markets and should maintain appropriate documentation of safety assessments.

## Key Studies

Specific published research on Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate itself is limited in publicly available scientific literature. Safety assessment typically relies on:

- Toxicological data on propylene glycol derivatives, which demonstrate low acute toxicity
- Established safety profiles of menthol in food applications
- In vitro and animal studies examining similar propylene glycol-based compounds
- Industry safety dossiers submitted to regulatory authorities

The lack of documented adverse events in FDA records over the period this compound has been in use suggests acceptable safety margins under current conditions of use. However, additional specific toxicological studies may have been conducted by manufacturers and provided to regulatory bodies through confidential submissions.

## Brands using Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate

- Baker’s (1 product)
- Great Value (1 product)
- Molina (1 product)
- Nestle (1 product)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Menthyl Propylene Glycol Carbonate (E1520) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/menthyl-propylene-glycol-carbonate. Accessed 2026-05-19.