E281: Sodium Propionate
Main role: mold control
Also listed as: sodium propanoate
What is E281 (Sodium Propionate)?
Sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid. It is used in suitable recipes to delay mold spoilage, particularly in bakery preservation systems. Like other preservatives, it works alongside packaging, hygiene, and storage rather than replacing those controls.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is mold control. Preservation is one part of a food safety system. Recipe acidity, processing, packaging, and storage also affect how a product keeps. Follow the finished product’s storage instructions even when a preservative is listed.
Food and formulation examples
- Selected bakery products
- Specified cheese preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E281, E 281, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium propanoate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Compare sodium propionate with calcium propionate E282 by the actual recipe and nutrition label. A preservative name alone does not reveal how much sodium a serving contains.
Is E281 safe?
The EFSA propionates re-evaluation (2014) is a scientific reference for this group. Its conclusions apply to the uses and exposures considered in that assessment, rather than every possible use or personal circumstance.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E281 as Sodium propionate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.