Propyl paraben

What this is

Propyl paraben is a food preservative used to extend the shelf life of packaged baked goods, tortillas, jams and other processed foods by preventing mold and bacteria growth. Chemically, it is part of the paraben family (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, E number E216) and has been used since the early 20th century. The U.S. FDA allows propyl paraben in foods at low levels (up to 0.1% of a product’s weight) as a “generally recognized as safe” additive. However, studies show it can act like estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormones and fertility. Due to these concerns, the EU banned propyl paraben in food in 2006, and several U.S. states (like California) are following suit with their own bans.

Critical Endpoints

The key endpoints experts review in safety assessments (critical endpoints). This is not a prediction of harm.