Sodium orthophenylphenate
Learn what Sodium orthophenylphenate (E232) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Sodium orthophenylphenate?
A food additive in the category of chemical preservatives, used for the surface treatment of citrus fruits, apples, and pears, effective against mold from the Penicillium family. It appears as a white powder, highly soluble in water. The treatment is applied by immersion or spraying with a solution, which sometimes penetrates the skin of the fruit and may be present in the fruit itself. It is not included in the list of permitted additives in Romania.
Why is Sodium orthophenylphenate added to food?
Sodium orthophenylphenate (E232) 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 Sodium orthophenylphenate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Common foods that contain Sodium orthophenylphenate
- Surface treatment of citrus fruits
- apples
- and pears
See the full list of foods that contain Sodium orthophenylphenate →
How to spot Sodium orthophenylphenate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E232
- Sodium orthophenylphenate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- sodium orthodhenylphenate
- sodium orthophenylphenate
- sodlum orthophenylphenate
- $odium orthophenylphenate
- sodium orthophenylphendte
- sodium orthophenyldhenate
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and itching, in people sensitive to phenols. • Not recommended for people with liver or kidney conditions, as it may put additional pressure on these organs. • Consumption in large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal irritation, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. • People with asthma or respiratory allergies should avoid this additive due to potential respiratory reactions. • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid exposure to this additive due to risks for fetal development.
Also known as
- sodium orthodhenylphenate
- sodium orthophenylphenate
- sodlum orthophenylphenate
- $odium orthophenylphenate
- sodium orthophenylphendte
- sodium orthophenyldhenate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sodium orthophenylphenate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E232 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium orthophenylphenate
- Is Sodium orthophenylphenate safe to eat?
- Sodium orthophenylphenate has a harm level of 2 out of 3. Moderate concern.
- Is Sodium orthophenylphenate banned anywhere?
- Sodium orthophenylphenate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- How do I spot Sodium orthophenylphenate on a food label?
- Look for E232, Sodium orthophenylphenate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: sodium orthodhenylphenate, sodium orthophenylphenate, sodlum orthophenylphenate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.