Is Propylparaben (food) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Propylparaben (food) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (processing aids).
CAS 94-13-3.
Other names: E216, propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Is Propylparaben (food) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | baked goods, processed snacks |
| CAS number | 94-13-3 |
What is Propylparaben (food)?
Propylparaben (food) is a preservative once used in food and still used in some US products.
Why is Propylparaben (food) used in food?
It is used to bleach, preserve, color or process food more cheaply at industrial scale.
Is Propylparaben (food) dangerous? Documented risks
Banned as a food additive in the EU over endocrine-disruption concerns.
Common US products containing Propylparaben (food)
- baked goods
- processed snacks
How to avoid Propylparaben (food): safer alternatives
Choose minimally processed and EU-imported foods, read labels for these additives, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag them.
Frequently asked questions about Propylparaben (food)
Is Propylparaben (food) banned in the EU?
Yes — Propylparaben (food) is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Propylparaben (food) allowed in the US?
Propylparaben (food) is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Propylparaben (food) a concern?
Independent reviews flag Propylparaben (food) for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Propylparaben (food)?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Propylparaben (food) instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Propylparaben (food) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related processing aids
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- Banned ingredients in other countries — Food Revolution Network
- EFSA food additives — EFSA
- FDA Food Additives — U.S. FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.