Sodium Propionate

Sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid. Propionic acid occurs naturally in some foods, such as cheese, and is also produced by gut bacteria. For use in food, sodium propionate is typically made synthetically.

It is primarily used as a food preservative, especially to prevent the growth of mold and some bacteria. It is commonly found in baked goods like bread, cakes, and tortillas, as well as in processed cheeses and some meat products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sodium propionate to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated sodium propionate and established an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated its safety. At typical intake levels, it is generally well-tolerated. Some research, primarily in animal studies, has explored potential links between propionate and metabolic effects, but human evidence is mixed or limited, and more research is needed to understand its effects at levels consumed in the diet.