YenzoWhat is E230 (biphenyl)?
It is biphenyl (diphenyl). The JECFA record lists it as a preservative and fungistatic agent. Directive 95/2/EC of the EU listed E230 as a preservative in and on citrus fruits.
E230Biphenyl (diphenyl)
E230 is biphenyl (diphenyl), a preservative and fungistatic agent. In 2003 the EU moved E230, E231 and E232 out of the food additives directive because they fall under the legal definition of plant protection products.
Did you know? Directive 2003/114/EC of 22 December 2003 states that biphenyl (E 230), orthophenyl phenol (E 231) and sodium orthophenyl phenol (E 232) were listed as preservatives "in and on citrus fruits" but fall under the definition of "plant protection products", so they no longer come within the scope of Directive 95/2/EC.
- Code
- E230 · INS 230
- 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?Because it is not permitted in Vietnam; by the scientific evaluations alone: moderate
The evaluators disagree. EU (2003) withdrew it from the list of substances permitted in food, while JECFA (1964) keeps an ADI for it.
How E230 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (230), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (230)preservative 230E230INS 230
Questions about biphenyl
Is biphenyl harmful?
The JECFA record for biphenyl (INS 230) gives its latest evaluation as 1964, with an ADI of 0–0.05 mg/kg body weight and the note "Conditional, 0.05-0.25 mg/kg bw". The EU moved E230 to plant protection products on a legal definition, as in the passage below.
“However, they fall under the definition of "plant protection products" in Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market [...] Therefore, they should no longer come within the scope of Directive 95/2/EC.”
Directive 2003/114/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2003 amending Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners
Is E230 permitted in Vietnam?
Biphenyl (INS 230) is not listed in Appendix 1 (the list of additives permitted in food) of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT. The two related substances INS 231 and 232 are listed there.
Other preservatives
E226Calcium sulphitehighE227Calcium hydrogen sulphitehighE228Potassium hydrogen sulphitehighE231Orthophenyl phenolmoderateE232Sodium orthophenyl phenolmoderateE234Nisinvery low
See all preservatives →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (4)
- Regulator's decision. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex II (Union list of food additives approved for use in foods), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1333/oj: not in the Union list, moved to the plant protection rules (Directive 2003/114/EC). JECFA: 8th meeting (1964): ADI allocated. https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/957
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- Directive 2003/114/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2003 amending Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners
- JECFA Evaluations: DIPHENYL (INS 230), INCHEM