Sodium o-phenylphenate is the sodium salt of phenyl phenol. It is a synthetic preservative, formed from phenyl ether.
It looks like a white powder; it is very soluble in water, unlike E231, and is always used to protect citrus fruits and other fruits (the same as E231) from attack by fungi of the genus Penicillium, by spraying or dipping them directly.
Penetrating slowly into the peel, it could also be found inside the fruits themselves.
This preservative can be easily removed by simply washing the fruit; despite this, residues can always remain which, even if ingested, are then eliminated by the kidneys and do not cause adverse reactions for human health.
ADI DOSE: 0.2 mg per kg of body weight.
→ Both E231 and E232 have the same function as diphenyl, but their maximum use is limited to only 12 mg / kg. They are used on: citrus fruits, pears, cherries, peaches, pineapples, plums, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes.
The intake for an individual of average weight should not exceed 14 mg per day.
