FDA Status
Banned
Since 2025-01-15
Propylparaben, CAS 94-13-3, is a preservative additive holding a composite safety score of 1 out of 5 (Banned / Avoid). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Banned (status effective 2025-01-15), while the European Union lists it as Banned. This ingredient appears in approximately 6 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Tortillas, muffins, some food dyes.
Regulatory pressure is notable: 2 U.S. states have enacted legislation targeting Propylparaben, including California, New York. State actions frequently diverge from federal FDA policy, with legislative trends tending toward stricter controls than the federal baseline.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Propylparaben, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Banned (2025-01-15) | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Banned | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | — | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 94-13-3 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 1 / 5 (Banned / Avoid) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 2 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 6 | Open Food Facts (US) |
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.
1.0 / 5
Composite Safety Banned / Avoid
Safety Score: 1 out of 5
Safety Rating 20.0%
EU Status
Banned
U.S. State Regulations
2 states
California, New York
Safety Assessment
Propylparaben receives a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has banned Propylparaben from food use, indicating sufficient evidence of safety concerns.
Notably, 2 US states have enacted regulations targeting Propylparaben, reflecting growing legislative attention to food additive safety at the state level. These state actions may differ from federal FDA policy and can range from outright bans to usage restrictions in certain product categories.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Propylparaben. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Propylparaben?
Preservative used in baked goods.
Health Concerns
- Endocrine disruptor — mimics estrogen. Linked to decreased fertility.
Common Uses
Tortillas, muffins, some food dyes
State Regulations
| State | Status | Effective Date | Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Banned | 2027-01-01 | AB 418 |
| New York | Banned | 2027-07-01 | A 6424 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Propylparaben safe to consume?
Propylparaben has a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid). It is banned by the FDA. It is regulated in 2 US states. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is Propylparaben used for in food?
Propylparaben is commonly used as: Tortillas, muffins, some food dyes. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
Is Propylparaben banned in any US states?
Yes, Propylparaben is regulated in 2 US states: California, New York. Regulations vary from full bans to restrictions on specific uses.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Propylparaben?
The FDA classifies Propylparaben as "Banned", while the EU status is "Banned". The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Propylparaben?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Propylparaben: Endocrine disruptor — mimics estrogen. Linked to decreased fertility.. These findings inform its safety score of 1/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Propylparaben calculated?
The safety score of 1/5 for Propylparaben is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Preservative Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial