E232 · Sodium orthophenylphenol
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E232?
Sodium orthophenylphenol (sodium OPP) is the sodium salt of orthophenylphenol, used as a fungicide on the surface of citrus fruit peels to prevent mold during storage and shipping. It is water-soluble, which makes it convenient for dip or spray treatments after harvest, and it is not added to the edible part of food. Approved for this post-harvest use within regulated residue limits, it carries the same considerations as orthophenylphenol (E231): residues concentrate in peel and are reduced by washing or peeling. Note the correct E-code for this substance is E232 (not E231, which is orthophenylphenol itself).
Also appears on labels as: Sodium orthophenylphenol, Sodium o-phenylphenol, Sodium 2-phenylphenolate, Food preservative sodium orthophenylphenol, SOPP, Ortho-phenylphenol sodium salt, 2-Phenylphenol sodium salt, Sodium o-phenyl phenol, E232, E 232, E-232, INS 232.
What the evidence says
- Peel residues can be relatively high; washing or peeling treated citrus reduces exposure.
- Related to orthophenylphenol (E231), which IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) at high, long-term exposure; typical dietary exposure from treated produce is regulated to stay well below levels of concern.
Frequently asked questions
Is E232 safe?
Our overall verdict for E232 (Sodium orthophenylphenol) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E232 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium orthophenylphenol — 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 E232 and why is it used?
Sodium orthophenylphenol (sodium OPP) is the sodium salt of orthophenylphenol, used as a fungicide on the surface of citrus fruit peels to prevent mold during storage and shipping. It is water-soluble, which makes it convenient for dip or spray treatments after harvest, and it is not added to the edible part of food. Approved for this post-harvest use within regulated residue limits, it carries the same considerations as orthophenylphenol (E231): residues concentrate in peel and are reduced by washing or peeling. Note the correct E-code for this substance is E232 (not E231, which is orthophenylphenol itself).
Does E232 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium orthophenylphenol.
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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.