E232 · Preservatives
Sodium orthophenyl phenol
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
Sodium orthophenyl phenol is the water-soluble salt of E231, used as a post-harvest citrus fungicide.
How it is used in food
Dissolves in water, so fruit can be dipped rather than waxed.
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; now regulated as a plant protection product with residue limits.
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
- E232
Worth knowing
The sodium salt exists only so the treatment can be applied as a water bath — chemically it is E231 with a sodium ion attached.
Conclusion
A banned agricultural fungicide.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
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