YenzoWhat is E281 (sodium propionate)?
It is sodium propionate, the sodium salt of propionic acid (E280), used as a preservative. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E281 as a preservative.
E281Sodium propionate
E281 is sodium propionate, the sodium salt of propionic acid (E280). In food it holds back moulds, so packaged bread and baked goods keep longer.
- Code
- E281 · INS 281
- Group
- Preservative
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E281 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (281), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (281)preservative 281E281INS 281On Vietnamese labels: Natri propionat
Sodium propionate in food
Milk, cheese, cream
Processed fruit and vegetables
ConfectioneryBaked goodsPasta, breakfast cereals
Processed meatProcessed and canned fish and seafoodSeasonings, vinegar, saucesFlavoured drinks, beer, wine
Questions about sodium propionate
Is sodium propionate harmful?
In 2014 EFSA re-evaluated propionic acid and its sodium, calcium and potassium salts (E280–E283) and concluded that the present database did not allow an ADI to be allocated. EFSA estimated exposure from food additive use at 0.7–21.1 mg/kg body weight a day at the mean and 3.6–40.8 mg/kg at the 95th percentile. EFSA concluded that for food as consumed there would not be a safety concern from the maximum concentrations of propionic acid and its salts at their currently authorised uses and use levels.
Is E281 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Sodium propionate (INS 281) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as a preservative.
Other preservatives
E280Propionic acidlowE282Calcium propionatelowE283Potassium propionatelowE284Boric acidhighE285Sodium tetraborate (borax)highE290Carbon dioxidevery low
See all preservatives →Updated 22 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e281)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 3 (danh mục phụ gia và nhóm thực phẩm dùng theo GMP) và Phụ lục 2A
- EFSA Journal (2014). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of propionic acid (E 280), sodium propionate (E 281), calcium propionate (E 282) and potassium propionate (E 283) as food additives