Sodium Propylparaben
The short version
The sodium salt of propylparaben — de-listed in EU food (with E216) since 2006.
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
Same EFSA concerns as the parent E216: in 2004 EFSA found that propylparaben, unlike methyl and ethyl paraben, had effects on sex hormones and the male reproductive organs in juvenile rats, and without a clear no-observed-adverse-effect level it could not recommend an ADI, so the EU withdrew E216 and E217 in 2006. Methyl and ethyl parabens and their sodium salts were kept, with a group ADI of 0–10 mg/kg body weight.
Sources
- Directive 2006/52/EC of 5 July 2006 amending Directives 95/2/EC and 94/35/EC on food additives: recital 6 (withdrawal of E 216 and E 217) — European Union (text via legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives), 2006. EU withdrawal of E 217 and EFSA's reason; methyl/ethyl group ADI
- EFSA AFC Panel: Opinion related to para hydroxybenzoates (E 214-219) (2004) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal), 2004. The EFSA evaluation of E 214-219 behind the EU withdrawal
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.