Biphenyl
Not authorised in EU, but permitted in AU-NZ and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Preservatives
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Biphenyl is a fungicide that was used on citrus after harvest, to stop mould developing in transit.
How it is used in food
Kept citrus sound across long sea voyages, when nothing else did the job as cheaply.
Commonly found in- Post-harvest treatment of citrus (historical)
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
Removed from the EU list of permitted food additives; post-harvest treatments are now regulated as pesticides, with maximum residue levels rather than an additive authorisation.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| 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) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E230
Worth knowing
It was never sprayed on the fruit — the wrappers and box liners were soaked in it, and it evaporated onto the peel during the voyage.
Conclusion
A banned, toxic agricultural fungicide.
Is it in what you are buying?
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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