E231 – 2-Hydroxybiphenyl

Description

Technical Description: A synthetic fungicide used as a preservative, primarily for citrus fruits to prevent mold and fungal growth during storage and transportation.

Risks

Notes

Orthophenyl phenol, also known as 2-phenylphenol, is a synthetic chemical compound created by combining two benzene ring structures in a specific arrangement. It's manufactured through industrial chemical processes that typically involve treating phenol (a petroleum-derived compound) with other chemicals under controlled conditions. The result is a white to slightly yellow crystalline substance with antimicrobial properties. This compound functions as a fungicide and preservative, primarily used to prevent mold, yeast, and bacterial growth on fresh produce. You'll most commonly encounter it as a post-harvest treatment on citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, where it's applied to the peel to prevent spoilage during shipping and storage. It may also be used on other fruits and occasionally as a disinfectant in food processing facilities. As a synthetic chemical, orthophenyl phenol is not approved for organic food production and doesn't align with natural food preferences. It's suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets since it doesn't derive from animal sources, and it doesn't conflict with religious dietary laws. However, because it's applied to fruit surfaces, it's advisable to wash produce thoroughly, especially if you plan to use citrus zest in cooking. Food safety authorities have established maximum residue limits to ensure consumer safety.