Is e231 vegan?

E231 is the European food additive code for orthophenyl phenol, also known as 2-phenylphenol. It is a preservative and fungicide produced synthetically through chemical processes using petrochemical derivatives. Manufacturers primarily use E231 as a surface treatment on post-harvest fresh produce, particularly citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, to inhibit mold and fungal decay during storage and transport. It can also be found in wax coatings applied to the exterior of certain fruits.

E231 is vegan because it is of entirely synthetic origin and involves no animal sources. The industrial synthesis of orthophenyl phenol relies on chemical feedstocks derived from mineral and petroleum processing. No animal tissues, animal byproducts, or animal-derived processing aids are used during its manufacture. Because no animal ingredients are involved in producing this compound, foods treated with or containing E231 are suitable for a vegan diet.