Food Grade Polyethylene Glycol/PEG 400

Food Grade Polyethylene Glycol/PEG 400

Polyethylene glycol is an oligomer or polymer of ethylene oxide, obtained by the polycondensation of ethylene glycol or the addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water. Food-grade polyethylene glycol refers to polyethylene glycol products that meet food safety standards and can be used in food. It is typically a colorless, transparent viscous liquid or semi-solid with good water solubility and broad solution compatibility. Its chemical structure is stable and not prone to deterioration.

Product Functions and Applications
Improving Taste and Texture: Polyethylene glycol can significantly enhance the taste and texture of food, such as increasing moisture, viscosity, and stability.
As a Coating Agent: According to GB 2760, polyethylene glycol can be used for coating candies and chocolate products to form a smooth and glossy surface.
Other Uses: Polyethylene glycol can also serve as a dispersant, carrier solvent, binder, plasticizer, coating agent, lubricant, flavor aid, etc.

Product Overview
Generic Name: Food Grade Polyethylene Glycol 400
Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol
INCI Name: PEG 400
CAS Registry Number: 25322-68-3
EINECS Registry Number: 500-038-2
HS Code: 3907210000
Molecular Formula: (C2H4O)n
Molecular Weight: 400

Product Technical Specifications and MSDS
Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid
Average Molecular Weight: 380-420
Residue on Ignition w/%: 0.2 max
Ethylene Oxide w/%: 0.02 max
Acid Value (as acetic acid) w/%: 0.05 max
For specific product specifications and MSDS, please contact the product manager.

Product Packaging and Storage Conditions
Packaging: This product is available in bulk. It is packaged in polyethylene plastic drums or IBCs, with each drum containing 250 kg or 1250 kg.
Storage Conditions: Store in a ventilated, dry, and cool warehouse. Keep away from fire.
Shelf Life: 2 years (unopened).

Applications of Polyethylene Glycol in Food
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) has a wide range of applications in the food industry, mainly in the following aspects:
1. Food Additives
Taste and Texture Improvement: Polyethylene glycol is often used as an additive in food to enhance taste, texture, and stability. For example, adding polyethylene glycol to jams, chocolates, ice cream, etc., can improve their taste and texture, making them more delicious.
Coating Agent: Polyethylene glycol can also be used as a coating material for candies and chocolate products, serving as a coating agent to enhance product appearance and shelf life.
2. Food Processing Aids
Increasing Elasticity and Water Retention: In the processing of baked goods such as bread and biscuits, adding polyethylene glycol can increase dough elasticity and water retention, thereby improving the quality and taste of baked products.
Release Agent and Lubricant: Polyethylene glycol can also be used as a release agent and lubricant in food processing to reduce production costs and improve efficiency.
3. Food Packaging Materials
Polyethylene glycol is also used in food packaging materials to protect food from external factors such as oxygen, light, and microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of food. Polyethylene glycol packaging materials have excellent barrier properties, transparency, and temperature resistance, meeting various food packaging needs.
4. Eco-Friendly Materials
Polyethylene glycol is biodegradable and can be broken down by microorganisms into harmless substances such as water and carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is also used as an eco-friendly food processing material. The use of polyethylene glycol can reduce environmental pollution and align with sustainable development requirements.
5. Safety and Regulations
Although polyethylene glycol is widely used in the food industry, its safety issues have also attracted attention. In specific circumstances, polyethylene glycol may pose risks to human health. Therefore, it is essential to strictly adhere to relevant regulations and standards when using polyethylene glycol to ensure its safe and reliable application. Additionally, the maximum allowable usage and residual levels of polyethylene glycol in food must be strictly controlled according to specific regulations.
6. Other Applications
In addition to the aforementioned applications, polyethylene glycol also plays important roles in various fields such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, polyethylene glycol can serve as a drug carrier and drug delivery system; in the cosmetics industry, it can function as a humectant and thickener.
In summary, the applications of polyethylene glycol in the food industry are multifaceted, including its use as a food additive, processing aid, packaging material, and eco-friendly material. However, safety concerns must be addressed during its use, and relevant regulations and standards must be strictly followed.