E230 · Biphenyl
- WHO
- Better avoided
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Better avoided
- FSANZ
- Better avoided
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Better avoided
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E230?
Biphenyl (also called diphenyl) is a fungicide applied to the peel of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, to prevent mold growth during storage and shipping. It is not used inside the fruit's flesh and is not added to processed foods. Because of toxicity concerns at higher exposure levels, it has been banned as a food additive in the EU since 2005, though some countries still permit it as a post-harvest treatment on citrus peel. Residue limits are set to keep any exposure from treated peel low; washing or peeling citrus reduces exposure further.
Also appears on labels as: Biphenyl, E230, E 230, E-230, Diphenyl, Phenylbenzene, 1,1'-Biphenyl, o-Biphenyl, p-Biphenyl, Phenylphenyl, Biphenyl preservative, Biphenyl additive.
What the evidence says
- Banned as a food additive in the EU (not authorized under current EU food law); still used as a post-harvest citrus treatment in some other countries.
- Peel residues can transfer to hands and, in small amounts, to the flesh if peel is used (e.g., zest); washing or peeling fruit reduces exposure.
- High-dose animal studies have shown liver and kidney effects, though real-world dietary exposure from treated citrus is far below those levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E230 safe?
Our overall verdict for E230 (Biphenyl) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: better avoided; EFSA: better avoided; FSANZ: better avoided; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: better avoided; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E230 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Biphenyl — 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 E230 and why is it used?
Biphenyl (also called diphenyl) is a fungicide applied to the peel of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, to prevent mold growth during storage and shipping. It is not used inside the fruit's flesh and is not added to processed foods. Because of toxicity concerns at higher exposure levels, it has been banned as a food additive in the EU since 2005, though some countries still permit it as a post-harvest treatment on citrus peel. Residue limits are set to keep any exposure from treated peel low; washing or peeling citrus reduces exposure further.
Does E230 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Biphenyl.
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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.