Tag: Antifreeze

Despite persistent rumors, the toxic substance ethylene glycol is not used in ice cream or any other food product. This common misunderstanding stems from confusion with a related, but safe, food additive called propylene glycol.

Propylene glycol (E1520) has an exceptionally low toxicity, especially compared to the related, highly poisonous ethylene glycol. The primary function of propylene glycol E1520 is to act as a multipurpose chemical in various industries, serving roles as a humectant, solvent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in products from food to cosmetics.

The persistent claim that the classic 7-Eleven Slurpee contains antifreeze is a myth that misrepresents the role of certain ingredients. The slushy texture is actually achieved using food-safe components that lower the freezing point of water, a fundamental concept in food science. While the industrial chemical found in automotive antifreeze, ethylene glycol, is toxic, it is never used in consumables.

According to the FDA, propylene glycol is generally recognized as safe for consumption in specific concentrations. This synthetic liquid substance is used in some commercial ice creams.

The rumor that soda contains antifreeze has circulated for years, despite the fact that ingesting industrial antifreeze can be lethal. The good news is that no beverage manufacturer uses toxic antifreeze in their products. The confusion likely stems from the presence of a safe, food-grade additive that shares some properties with industrial coolant.