Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate
Not authorised in EU and US, but permitted in AU-NZ. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Preservatives
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate is the water-soluble salt of propylparaben, removed from EU food use in 2006.
How it is used in food
Dissolves in water, which plain propylparaben does not — useful in drinks and syrups.
Commonly found in- Liquid dietary supplements
- Confectionery
- Cured meats
- Flavouring syrups
Health and safety
It behaves as propylparaben once dissolved, and was withdrawn for the same reason: EFSA could not set an acceptable daily intake after young-rat studies showed effects on sex hormones and the male reproductive organs.
Parabens are highly controversial due to their ability to mimic estrogen in the human body. This has raised concerns about their potential to disrupt the endocrine system and affect reproductive health.
Suspected endocrine disruptor
Parabens are known xenoestrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about long-term hormonal disruption.
Removed from the EU list of permitted food additives in 2006 alongside E216.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Not approved | Not permitted in US food. The US listings cover methylparaben (21 CFR 184.1490) and propylparaben (184.1670) as the free esters; the sodium salts appear in neither 21 CFR nor FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E217
Alternatives to this additive
- E202: Potassium sorbate — A non-paraben preservative that does not carry endocrine disruption concerns.
How it is made
Made by neutralising propylparaben with sodium hydroxide.
- Esterification — p-Hydroxybenzoic acid is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst.
Worth knowing
The sodium salt exists purely for solubility; in the body it is the same molecule as E216.
Conclusion
Due to its longer propyl chain, EFSA concluded in 2004 that it exhibited stronger endocrine disrupting effects than shorter parabens, and it was subsequently banned from food use in the EU.
References
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