Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene
Learn what Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene (E231) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene?
A food additive in the category of chemical preservatives, used for the surface treatment of citrus fruits, apples, and pears, effective against molds from the Penicillium family. It appears as a white powder, insoluble in water. It sometimes penetrates the skin and may be present in the fruit. It is excreted unchanged through the urinary tract.
Why is Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene added to food?
Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene (E231) is a preservative commonly found in: Surface treatment of citrus fruits, apples, and pears.
Permitted quantity: The maximum allowable daily intake for humans is up to 0.2 mg/kg body weight.
Is Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Common foods that contain Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene
- Surface treatment of citrus fruits
- apples
- and pears
See the full list of foods that contain Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene →
How to spot Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E231
- Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene
Common misspellings to watch for:
- orthophenyldhenol, ortho-xylene
- orthodhenylphenol, ortho-xylene
- orthophenylphenol, ortho-xylene
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and itching, in people sensitive to phenols. • Consumption in large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal irritation, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. • Not recommended for people with liver or kidney conditions, as it may put additional strain on these organs. • May interfere with the metabolism of certain medications, being contraindicated for people undergoing specific treatments. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid this additive due to risks to fetal development.
Also known as
- orthophenyldhenol, ortho-xylene
- orthodhenylphenol, ortho-xylene
- orthophenylphenol, ortho-xylene
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E231 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene
- Is Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene safe to eat?
- Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene has a harm level of 2 out of 3. Moderate concern.
- Is Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene banned anywhere?
- Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- How do I spot Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene on a food label?
- Look for E231, Orthophenylphenol, Ortho-xylene in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: orthophenyldhenol, ortho-xylene, orthodhenylphenol, ortho-xylene, orthophenylphenol, ortho-xylene.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.