Is Burger King’s Soft Serve a threat to human health? Check the Facts. 

Burger King’s soft serve is a popular dessert and loved by people of all ages. But, recently social media users have raised concerns over the use of a particular ingredient called Propylene Glycol in the product. 

The claim states that propylene glycol is a petroleum product which is used as an antifreeze in the Burger King soft serve. Generally, it is recognised as safe but our body does not break it down properly and can be considered harmful for consumption. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Propylene Glycol has been recognised as safe by the food safety regulatory bodies after reviewing various studies. 

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Let’s Check The Fact: 

What is Propylene Glycol? 

As per the information available on CDC website, Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. It is also used to make polyester compounds and used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products.

Is Propylene Glycol Safe? 

According to the CDC, Propylene glycol is approved for use in food, cosmetics, and medicine at safe levels. Most people are exposed to it by eating, using skincare products, or taking medicine, but these small amounts are not harmful. Workers in industries using propylene glycol may touch or breathe it in, but exposure is usually low.

According to the National Institute of Health, propylene glycol is used to keep food, medicine, and cosmetics moist, acts as a solvent for flavors and colors, and is used as antifreeze in foods. The FDA considers it safe for use in food. It is also used to make polyester, deicing solutions, and artificial smoke for fire training and theater shows. It is a clear, colorless, slightly thick liquid with no strong smell or taste and only turns into vapor when heated or shaken. 

According to another report, the U.S. FDA has classified propylene glycol as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food. It can be added directly to food but with certain limits. It is used in food as a stabilizer, thickener, flavoring agent, emulsifier, anticaking agent, and antioxidant, among other purposes. It is also approved for indirect food contact, meaning it can be used in food packaging, coatings, adhesives, and paper products etc.

While the ingredient is generally recognized as safe by food safety authorities, some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions, particularly those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. In rare cases, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues. It’s important to note that propylene glycol is distinct from ethylene glycol, the latter being toxic and used in antifreeze. 

How is Propylene Glycol Absorbed in the Body?

When propylene glycol is ingested, it is absorbed by the body quickly. Most of it breaks down in the liver into lactic acid and pyruvic acid, which are normal substances the human body uses for energy. Some propylene glycol is removed unchanged through urine. In healthy adults, the body usually clears it within a few hours, but in infants, it takes much longer. At normal levels in food and drinks, it is considered safe. Problems can happen only if someone consumes very large amounts, such as through certain medicines given intravenously.

Conclusion: 

Although it is true that Burger King’s soft serve contains Propylene Glycol, the ingredient has been declared safe for consumption in foods by the regulatory bodies. It was also found that the ingredient breaks down in the body and some of it is removed by urine.