E216 — Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate · page 3

Status in the United States (FDA)

Listed in the FDA inventory “Substances Added to Food”, with the regulations 21 CFR 172.515, 184.1670.

Technical effects listed by the FDA: antimicrobial agent, flavoring agent or adjuvant

California: from January 1, 2027, a food product containing this substance may not be made, sold or distributed in the state (AB 418, California Food Safety Act — Health and Safety Code § 109025).

West Virginia: from January 1, 2028, a food product containing this substance may not be made, sold or distributed in the state (HB 2354 (2025) — W. Va. Code § 16-7-2). Food containing it counts as adulterated. Criminal penalties do not apply to sellers of less than $5,000 a month of such food (§ 16-7-4).

The inventory is a partial list, and a listing is not an FDA approval of every use; the regulations set the permitted uses.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Substances Added to Food (updated 9/8/2026), public domain · CAS 94-13-3 via Wikidata (CC0)