E217 · Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
- WHO
- Use caution
- FDA
- Safe in moderation
- EFSA
- Better avoided
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Better avoided
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E217?
Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium propylparaben) is the sodium salt of propylparaben, used as an antimicrobial preservative. It is permitted with limits in several jurisdictions (e.g., US, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, Japan), but it is not authorised as a food additive in the EU/UK following EFSA/JECFA evaluations that excluded propylparaben from the general parabens group acceptable daily intake.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium propylparaben, Propylparaben sodium salt, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester sodium salt, Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate sodium, E217, E 217, E-217, Paraben (propyl, sodium salt), Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate preservative, Natrio propilparabenas, Nātrija propilparabēns.
What the evidence says
- Excluded from the JECFA group ADI due to adverse effects observed in male rats; no acceptable daily intake has been established specifically for propylparaben.
- Potential weak endocrine (hormone-mimicking) activity reported in some laboratory studies; human relevance at food-use levels is uncertain.
- Rare hypersensitivity (e.g., contact dermatitis) reported to parabens.
Frequently asked questions
Is E217 safe?
Our overall verdict for E217 (Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe in moderation; WHO: use caution; EFSA: better avoided; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: better avoided; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E217 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E217 and why is it used?
Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium propylparaben) is the sodium salt of propylparaben, used as an antimicrobial preservative. It is permitted with limits in several jurisdictions (e.g., US, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, Japan), but it is not authorised as a food additive in the EU/UK following EFSA/JECFA evaluations that excluded propylparaben from the general parabens group acceptable daily intake.
Does E217 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, though some people report sensitivity (paraben sensitivity).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.