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E231 – Sodium Orthophenylphenol: Uses and Safety

E231 (sodium orthophenylphenol) is a synthetic preservative and fungicide applied to the surface of citrus fruits after harvest to prevent mould growth during storage and transport.

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Things worth knowing about "E231"

E231 (sodium orthophenylphenol) is a synthetic preservative and fungicide applied to the surface of citrus fruits after harvest to prevent mould growth during storage and transport.

What is E231?

E231, chemically known as sodium orthophenylphenol (sodium 2-phenylphenolate), is a synthetic compound used in the food industry as a surface preservative and post-harvest fungicide. It is the sodium salt of orthophenylphenol -- a group of related additives that also includes E230 (the parent phenol) and E232 (the potassium salt). E231 is applied exclusively as a surface or post-harvest treatment for certain fruits, most notably citrus fruits, and is not intended to be consumed as part of the edible portion of the food.

Uses and Applications

E231 is primarily used in the post-harvest treatment of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and mandarins, as well as other fruits like pineapples. It is applied to the outer surface (peel) to inhibit the growth of mould fungi and other microorganisms during transport and storage.

Protection of the fruit peel against mould (e.g., Penicillium species)
Extension of shelf life of citrus fruits after harvest
Prevention of economic losses along the supply chain

Because E231 is only applied to the peel, it is not intended to be ingested as a food additive; in the EU it is primarily regulated as a pesticide residue. The peel of treated fruits should not be consumed.

Labelling Requirements

In the European Union, fruits treated with post-harvest agents such as E231, E230, or E232 must be labelled accordingly. Packaging or price labels must include the phrase surface treatment or indicate the specific preservative used. Consumers who wish to avoid consuming treated peel should look for this labelling information before purchase.

Safety and Health Assessment

The safety of E231 has been subject to scientific review by regulatory bodies. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated orthophenylphenol and its salts. Animal studies at high doses indicated potential adverse effects on the urinary bladder. Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for E231 in and on food are regulated in the EU under Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005.

When used as intended and within established limits, E231 is considered safe for consumers
Residue transfer to the flesh of the fruit during normal consumption is considered minimal according to current evidence
Individuals with known sensitivity to phenolic compounds should exercise caution

Regulatory Status in the EU

E231 is authorised in the EU as an active substance for the post-harvest treatment of citrus fruits under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives and as a plant protection active substance. The applicable MRLs are regularly reviewed by EFSA and EU member states to ensure ongoing consumer safety.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of biphenyl-2-ol (E 231) as a food additive, EFSA Journal, 2016.
European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed.

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