preservative INS 281

Sodium Propionate E281

antimicrobial — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Sodium propanoate

CAS: 137-40-6

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Sodium Propionate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

None

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Generally recognized as safe

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (ADI not limited)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by neutralizing propionic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Preservative

Medical

Antifungal agent in topical preparations

Industrial

Animal feed preservative

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Propionate (E281)?

Sodium Propionate (E281) is a preservative used in food products. It is antimicrobial and synthetic. The sodium salt of propionic acid, widely used as a mold inhibitor in bread and baked goods. More effective in acidic conditions.

What is the ADI for Sodium Propionate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Sodium Propionate is Not specified (ADI not limited) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Sodium Propionate?

Sodium Propionate is used in various food categories including Bread and rolls. It is used as a preservative in these products.

Is Sodium Propionate the same as Sodium propanoate?

Yes, Sodium Propionate is also known as Sodium propanoate, Propionic acid sodium salt. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence