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Answer: Yes — Propylparaben (food) is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: baked goods, processed snacks.
TL;DR: Propylparaben (food) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (processing aids).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
CAS 94-13-3.
Other names: E216, propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | baked goods, processed snacks |
| CAS number | 94-13-3 |
Propylparaben (food) is a preservative once used in food and still used in some US products.
It is used to bleach, preserve, color or process food more cheaply at industrial scale.
Banned as a food additive in the EU over endocrine-disruption concerns.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Propylparaben (food)with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose minimally processed and EU-imported foods, read labels for these additives, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag them.
Yes — Propylparaben (food) is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Propylparaben (food) is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Independent reviews flag Propylparaben (food) for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Propylparaben (food) instantly.
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