Learn Glossary preservative

Propionic Acid(E280)

Level 2Generally safeIn Winter's Dictionary

Propionic Acid is a preservative — Preservative and flavoring in bakery and cheese flavorings

Also: Propanoic Acid

What it does

Preservative and flavoring in bakery and cheese flavorings

Where you'll see it

baked goods, processed cheeses (Swiss, Gruyere), cheese flavorings (600 ppm), butter and fruit flavorings

What the research says

May cause migraine in those susceptible. Skin irritations in bakery workers from contact. Large oral dose lethal in rats.

Benefits

Inhibits mold growth in baked goods and processed cheese

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Occurs naturally in apples, strawberries, tea, and violet leaves... Preservative and as butter and fruit flavorings