Specimen No. 0074
AvoidSyntheticfood additivepreservative
Propylparaben in Food
propylparaben · e216 · propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Paraben preservative used in food. The EU banned propylparaben in food products in 2006 due to endocrine disruption concerns. Still permitted in some US food applications.
high confidence
Researched April 18, 2026Specimen 0074Propylparaben in Food
Concerns
- Banned as food additive in EU (E216) due to endocrine disruption
- Estrogenic activity — can interfere with reproductive development
- CDC biomonitoring detects propylparaben in most Americans
- Particularly concerning for fetuses and young children
Regulatory flags
- ⚑EU restricted in food products for infants and young children
- ⚑EU restricted in cosmetics for children under 3
Commonly found in
Baked goodsJamsPickled productsBeerSyrups
Sources & references
Last researched: April 18, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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