E281 · Sodium propionate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E281?
Sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid, used as a preservative to prevent mold and bacterial growth in baked goods and animal feed. It works by creating conditions unfavorable to microbial growth rather than by lowering food pH in a meaningful way. It is regarded as safe by food safety authorities including the FDA and EFSA when used within regulated limits.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium propionate, Propionic acid sodium salt, Na-propionate, Food grade sodium propionate, E281, E 281, E-281, INS 281, Propionate (sodium salt), Additivo alimentare E281, Additif alimentaire E281, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E281.
What the evidence says
- Adds to dietary sodium intake, a consideration for people managing blood pressure or on sodium-restricted diets.
- May rarely cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals at high intakes.
Frequently asked questions
Is E281 safe?
Our overall verdict for E281 (Sodium propionate) 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 E281 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium propionate — 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 E281 and why is it used?
Sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid, used as a preservative to prevent mold and bacterial growth in baked goods and animal feed. It works by creating conditions unfavorable to microbial growth rather than by lowering food pH in a meaningful way. It is regarded as safe by food safety authorities including the FDA and EFSA when used within regulated limits.
Does E281 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium propionate.
Watch E281
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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.