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Propionic Acid (E280) — What You Need to Know

Generally Safe(7/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Propionic Acid?

Propionic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in Swiss cheese, produced by Propionibacterium during fermentation. It is widely used as a mold inhibitor in bread and baked goods. While it can be produced naturally, the commercial form used as a food additive is typically synthesized industrially.

What Is It Used For?

Used primarily as a mold inhibitor in bread and baked goods, extending shelf life by preventing fungal growth. Also used in cheese production and animal feed preservation.

Function: Preservative, mold inhibitor, antimicrobial agent
5 mg
Dataset exposure estimate

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): No numerical ADI established. Considered safe at current food-use levels but under ongoing review following metabolic studies.
⚠️ Key Concerns

Naturally produced by Propionibacterium in Swiss cheese production. Effective mold inhibitor widely used in bread. Some studies (2019, Science Translational Medicine) suggested propionic acid may impair insulin signaling and increase glucagon production. EFSA noted these findings but has not changed its assessment. The amounts used in food are much lower than those in animal studies. Generally considered safe at food-use levels. A 2019 Harvard study raised questions about metabolic effects at high doses.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Propionic Acid an editorial context label of Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 1.3 points above the database average for preservatives (5.7/10). Dataset reference year: 2014.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

BreadBaked goodsCheeseAnimal feedFlour tortillas
Example brands:
WarburtonsHovisBimbo

Always check the label for E280 or 'Propionic Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C3H6O2
Molecular Weight: 74.08 g/mol
CAS Number: 79-09-4
INS Number: 280
Also known as: E280, INS 280, Propanoic acid, Ethylformic acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Propionic Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).; EFSA/EU — No numerical ADI established. Considered safe at current food-use levels but under ongoing review following metabolic studies.. Reported concerns: Naturally produced by Propionibacterium in Swiss cheese production. Effective mold inhibitor widely used in bread. Some studies (2019, Science Translational Medicine) suggested propionic acid may impair insulin signaling and increase glucagon production. EFSA noted these findings but has not changed its assessment. The amounts used in food are much lower than those in animal studies. Generally considered safe at food-use levels. A 2019 Harvard study raised questions about metabolic effects at high doses. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E280
INS Number
280
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
EFSA Status
No numerical ADI established. Considered safe at current food-use levels but under ongoing review following metabolic studies.
ADI
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2014
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other preservatives in the same family

Calcium Propionate (E282)Sorbic Acid (E200)