E230 Biphenyl – Preservative for Citrus Fruits
E230 (Biphenyl) is a synthetic preservative applied to the surface of citrus fruits to prevent mould growth during transport and storage.
Wissenswertes über "E230"
E230 (Biphenyl) is a synthetic preservative applied to the surface of citrus fruits to prevent mould growth during transport and storage.
What is E230 (Biphenyl)?
E230 is the EU designation for Biphenyl (also known as Diphenyl), an aromatic organic compound approved as a preservative for citrus fruits. It is used to inhibit the growth of moulds and yeasts on the peel of oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and similar fruits during transport and storage.
Chemical Properties
Biphenyl consists of two connected benzene rings and appears as a colourless to whitish solid with a characteristic aromatic odour. It has very low solubility in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents. For application, it is incorporated into liquid solutions or wax formulations that are used to coat the surface of the fruit.
Application and Regulatory Approval
Within the European Union, E230 is authorised exclusively for the surface treatment of citrus fruits. It is applied to the peel only and is not permitted on fruits whose peel is intended to be eaten.
- Approved fruits: oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruits, limes, and similar citrus fruits
- Application method: surface treatment of the peel (dipping, spraying, or incorporation into wax coatings)
- Labelling requirement: treated fruits must be labelled with a notice such as preserved with E230 or peel not suitable for consumption
Health Assessment
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and earlier assessments by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) have evaluated the safety of Biphenyl. Since E230 is applied only to the peel, migration into the fruit flesh is considered to be minimal under normal conditions. However, concerns remain regarding potential migration through damaged peel.
- Biphenyl may cause irritation to sensitive skin or mucous membranes.
- In animal studies, liver and kidney changes were observed at high doses.
- Exposure through the fruit flesh, when the product is used as intended, is considered very low.
Consumer Tips
Consumers who wish to minimise any potential exposure should avoid eating the peel of treated citrus fruits and wash fruits thoroughly under warm running water before juicing or zesting. Anyone wishing to use lemon or orange zest in cooking should choose untreated or organically grown citrus fruits, on which the use of preservative coatings is not permitted.
Regulatory Status in Europe
Biphenyl (E230) is authorised in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives as a preservative for citrus fruits. The maximum permitted level on the peel is 70 mg/kg. Outside the EU, for example in certain Asian countries, the use of Biphenyl as a food additive is not approved or is more strictly regulated.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of biphenyl (E 230) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2015.
- European Union: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Opinions on preservatives on citrus fruits, Berlin.
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Related search terms: E230 + Biphenyl + Diphenyl + Diphenylol