Preservative · EU 280
Propionic Acid
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Propionic Acid is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #148 of 417.
- #148 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Propionic Acid is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #148 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (65th percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- #148 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Propionic Acid: 70 tracked U.S. products (moderate band, #148 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 70 · #148 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 280 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Propionic Acid?
Propionic Acid is a food additive (280) classified as preservative.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of propionic acid -E 280-, sodium propionate -E 281-, calcium propionate -E 282- and potassium propionate -E 2
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a moderate OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (70 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 70
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Propionic Acid safe to consume?
Propionic Acid scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a moderate additive (70 tracked products, #148 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Propionic Acid used for in food?
Propionic Acid shows up as Processed foods, baked goods, beverages in the Preservative class, and the OFF sample puts it in the moderate footprint band (70 products).
Where does Propionic Acid sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #148 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Propionic Acid?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Propionic Acid: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of propionic acid -E 280-, sodium propionate -E 281-, calcium propionate -E 282- and potassium propionate -E 2. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.