International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives:280
Food additives Europe numbers: E280
Functional Category
Acidifying agent; antimicrobial preservative; antioxidant; esterifying agent.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Propionic acid is primarily used as an antioxidant and antimicrobial preservative in foods, and in oral and topical pharmaceutical applications. It is also used as an esterifying agent.
Description
Propionic acid occurs as a corrosive, oily liquid having a slightly pungent, disagreeable, rancid odor. It is flammable
Stability and Storage Conditions
Although stable, propionic acid is flammable. It should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and flames
Incompatibilities
Propionic acid is incompatible with alkalis, ammonia, amines, and halogens. It can be salted out of aqueous solutions by the addition of calcium chloride or other salts.
Safety
Propionic acid is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material when used in low levels as an excipient. Up to 1% may be P 586 used in food applications (up to 0.3% in flour and cheese products). Propionic acid is readily metabolized. The pure form of propionic acid is corrosive and will cause burns to any area of contact. Both liquid and vapor forms are flammable. Concentrated propionic acid is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. See also Sodium Propionate. LD50 (mouse, IV): 0.63 g/kg(2) LD50 (rabbit, skin): 0.5 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): 2.6 g/kg