Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives:209

Food additives Europe numbers: E209 

Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate (also known as heptylparaben) is not a recognized food excipient. Here's why:

• Food Excipients: These are safe and approved inactive ingredients added to food for various functions like preserving, texturizing, or stabilizing. They typically have no nutritional value.
• Heptylparaben: This belongs to a class of chemicals called parabens. Parabens have been widely used as preservatives in various products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and some foods.

However:

• Limited Use in Food: The use of parabens, including heptylparaben, in food has become restricted or even banned in some countries due to safety concerns.
• Not Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS): In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider parabens as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food [1].
• Alternatives: Safer and more widely accepted preservatives are generally preferred by food manufacturers.

Therefore, while heptylparaben might have been used as a food preservative historically, it's unlikely to be found in contemporary food products due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives.