YenzoWhat is E217 (sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate)?
It is sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, E217 in the preservative group. By its name it is the sodium salt of the propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
E217Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
E217 is sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate, the sodium salt of propylparaben (E216), from the paraben family. It has been used as a preservative against yeasts and moulds.
- Code
- E217 · INS 217
- Group
- Preservative
In Vietnam✕ Not permitted in VietnamNot on Vietnam's list of permitted additives (Circular 24/2019); it may be used only in a product whose declaration is registered with the Vietnam Food Administration
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalehigh?Based on JECFA's evaluation
How E217 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (217), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (217)preservative 217E217INS 217
Questions about sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Is propyl para-hydroxybenzoate harmful?
In 2004 EFSA assessed the para-hydroxybenzoates E 214-219; E 217 is the sodium salt of propyl para-hydroxybenzoate. EFSA considered that propylparaben should not be included in the group ADI of methylparaben and ethylparaben, because in juvenile male rats it reduced sperm production and changed sex hormones; EFSA could not recommend an ADI for propylparaben because of the lack of a clear no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL).
Is E217 permitted in Vietnam?
Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate (INS 217) is not listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, nor in Appendix 2B.
Other preservatives
E214Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE215Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE216Propyl p-hydroxybenzoatehighE218Methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE219Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE220Sulphur dioxidemoderate
See all preservatives →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- JECFA evaluation. JECFA: 67th meeting (2006): propyl paraben excluded from the group ADI of the parabens.
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2004). Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) related to para hydroxybenzoates (E 214-219)