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E281PreservativeLow concern
Sodium Propionate
In plain words
The short version
The sodium salt of propionic acid — a low-concern bakery antifungal.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe. Propionate is a normal short-chain fatty acid produced by colonic fermentation of fibers; dietary additions are metabolized identically. No documented systemic concerns at use levels.
The detail
Produced by neutralizing propionic acid (E280) with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Propionic acid itself is a natural product of dairy fermentation (Propionibacterium) and is present in Swiss cheese.
Used in bread, tortillas, rolls, and processed cheese at 0.1% to 0.4% to inhibit mold and rope-forming Bacillus. Less common than calcium propionate (E282) because the sodium contributes to the salt budget, but preferred when calcium would interfere with chemical leavening.
White hygroscopic crystals or powder. Very soluble in water. Effective in low-pH bakery doughs (pH below 5.5).
JECFA's ADI for propionic acid and its salts is "not limited". In the EU, propionates in prepacked bread and fine bakery wares are limited to 1,000–3,000 mg/kg depending on the product; quantum satis applies only to surface treatment of ripened cheese, cheese products and cheese analogues. In the US, sodium propionate is GRAS with no limitation other than good manufacturing practice.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database: Sodium propionate (INS 281), group ADI 'not limited' — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1997. No numerical ADI (low concern)
- eCFR: 21 CFR 184.1784 Sodium propionate (GRAS), current text — U.S. Government (eCFR, Office of the Federal Register), 2026. US GRAS status, no limit other than GMP
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text of 18 August 2026 (Annex II, E 280–283) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2026. EU numerical maximum levels in bread and bakery
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.