PG and BHT in milk and pet foods

[Guest guest]

Thanks to excellent research by one of our list members, here are some

sites on Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) for

those of us concerned with their presence in our milk and pet food.

First an adaptation from Steve's earlier post:

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) used to preserve processed foods,

cereals, fats, and oils, etc. and on the GRAS (Generally Regarded as

Safe) list, but may be irritating to the liver and kidneys (especially

if these organs are not operating at full potential), and irritate

some allergies. Also believed to possibly convert in the body to

substances that can become carcinogenic.

Propylene Glycol: (propylene glycol monostearate and alginate) (PG), a

solvent blending agent made from propylene gas (a by-product of

petroleum refining) and glycerol. Shown to have a low toxicity level

though controversial.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON0290e.html

" It was known for some time that propylene glycol caused a red

blood cell disorder in cats called Heinz body formation, but it

could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects.

However, recent reports of scientifically sound studies show that

propylene reduces red blood cell survival time, renders red blood

cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse

effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in semi-

moist food.

Therefore, the (Food and Drug Administration's Center

for Veterinary Medicine) is working to amend the

regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in

cat foods.

http://www.newsagepress.com/books/Protectpet_excerpt.html

Propylene Glycol is a second cousin to antifreeze....As of January

2001, the FDA/CVM prohibits the use of propylene

glycol in semi-moist cat food.

Morshed KM, Jain SK, Mc KE. Propylene glycol-mediated cell

injury in a primary culture of human

proximal tubule cells. Toxicol Sci 1998;46:410-417.

http://www.igc.org/panna/resources/_pestis/PESTIS.1996.22.html

Propylene glycol is a widely-used colorless, odorless liquid. It

causes damage to red blood cells, skin irritation, adverse

neurological reactions, and (in rabbits) degeneration of lung

cells.(89)

http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pur/pur93rep/comcnty/c22com93.txt

Lists PG as a pestiside

http://www.sonomagardens.com/badingredients.html

PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): One of the most widely used cosmetic

ingredients, a petroleum plastic used in everything from deodorants,

to lipstick, to baby lotions. The EPA considers PG so toxic that it

requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles in

order to avoid brain, liver and kidney damage.

In 1992, the FDA proposed a ban on PG, but this ingredient is still

allowed in concentrations up to 50

percent with no warning label. PG is the main ingredient found in

antifreeze and brake fluid.

On another site I saw the statement that PG depletes oxygen in the

tissues.

I don't want to keep flogging this. Anybody who wants to see the label

showing the presence of these two items in A & D milk additive, can

email me off list.

Leo

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