E231 (ortho-phenylphenol)

E231 is ortho-phenylphenol. In food technology, this additive is primarily considered a preservative: its task is to slow down spoilage, control the growth of undesirable microorganisms, or maintain product stability during storage.

What is this additive

By nature, E231 is a preservative/fungicide from older lists. For accuracy, it is important not to confuse it with neighboring E-codes: close numbers often denote salts of the same acid or substances of the same group, but this is not always the same.

Preservatives do not make a product “eternal” and do not fix poor raw materials. They only work within a specific technology: at the required acidity, humidity, temperature, dosage, and sanitary quality of production.

Why it is used

The main mechanism of action: it suppresses mold fungi on the surface of fruits. That is why E231 is used not for taste or nutritional value, but for shelf life, safety, and predictable product quality.

In practice, E231 may be found in products, as it has historically been used for treating citrus fruits. Specific permitted categories and levels depend on the legislation of the country and the type of product.

Nutrition and metabolism

In normal technological doses, preservatives are rarely a significant source of calories, proteins, fats, or carbohydrates. For blood glucose and insulin, the product itself is often more important: sugar, starch, flour, syrups, alcohol, salt, fats, and portion size.

However, frequent consumption of products with preservatives may be a marker of an ultra-processed diet. Therefore, the question is not only about one E-number but about the overall structure of the diet: how many whole foods, proteins, fibers, minerals, and normal foods are in the diet.

Safety and restrictions

E231 is not included in the current list of permitted food additives in the EU/GB; it should be described as outdated or non-food for the modern context.

Individual tolerance varies. Sensitive individuals may have reactions to specific groups of preservatives, especially sulfites, benzoates, or nitrite-nitrate products; if a repeated reaction occurs, it is advisable to compare symptoms with the label and discuss it with a specialist.

How to read the label

E231 may be listed on the label as an E number or as a name: ortho-phenylphenol. It is better to assess it together with the function of the additive, the product category, frequency of consumption, shelf life, and complete composition, rather than drawing conclusions solely based on the presence of the E-code.