Assessment of the carcinogenic potential of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) in rats and mice.

The carcinogenic potential of the food emulsifier ADMUL WOL brand of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) was evaluated in rats and mice. Groups of 60 male and 60 female rats were given purified diets containing 5% of either PGPR or groundnut oil for 2 years. Groups of 25 male and 25 female mice were given purified diets containing 5% of either PGPR or groundnut oil for 80 weeks. No carcinogenic effect of PGPR was observed. In addition, dietary PGPR had no adverse effect on growth, food consumption, longevity and haematology. Organ weight analysis revealed an increase in liver and kidney weight in both male and female rats and female mice. Histological analysis of tissues revealed no treatment related adverse effects.