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Artificial food additive E232 is known in the industry as orthophenylphenol sodium salt or sodium orthophenylphenol. The substance and its effect on humans have not been fully studied to date, respectively, it is not allowed in all countries of the world. However, where it can be used in food, the additive acts as a powerful preservative for fruits and vegetables. In addition, its properties are used in many industries, in various chemical reactions, processes, to obtain certain materials. And if sodium orthophenylphenol does not raise questions in technical areas of production, its presence in food is the subject of controversy and disagreement.
Characteristics of the E232 additive and the technology for its production
In its structure, the substance is an organic compound of two linked benzene rings and phenolic hydroxyl groups. Outwardly, it looks like a powder consisting of small crystals. The color of the additive is white, a light gray or cream shade is allowed if some impurities are present in the composition. It has a high solubility in water, and the resulting aqueous solution is used in industry along with the powder form of the additive.
Orthophenylphenol sodium salt has a preserving effect on the substances with which it interacts: by suppressing the growth and development of various microorganisms, it is able to increase the shelf life and sale of food products. The additive has powerful bactericidal properties, and does not affect the taste characteristics and appearance of the product.
According to the requirements of sanitary standards, food preservatives cannot be added to partially or completely unsuitable for food and spoiled products, only to fresh and usable.
The production of preservative E232 occurs immediately before it needs to be added to the raw materials or prepared food. For this, the substance orthophenylphenol (additive E231) is synthesized with sodium hydroxide in the laboratory.
Features of use in various industries
Sodium orthophenylphenol acts as a component that can inhibit and inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms by inhibiting metabolic processes in cells. Also, the substance is able to destroy dangerous microflora. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the preservative in insufficient concentration can, on the contrary, act as a source of nutrition for microorganisms and provoke their reproduction. That is why there is a problem of finding the correct concentration of additives in food products, so that, on the one hand, pathogenic microflora cannot grow, multiply and spoil food, and on the other hand, so that the dosage of the substance is not too large, as this can worsen the quality of the product, increase its cost, and can harm the human body, which gets into food. The latter factor is especially relevant when it comes to sodium orthophenylphenol.
The insufficient study of the effect of the E232 food additive on the body has led to the fact that today it is practically not added to food. The preservative solution is mainly applied to the skins of some fruits, such as citrus fruits, and vegetables before their transportation process, which can sometimes take more than a week. As a result of the interaction of the substance with the peel, the fruits are not affected by surface rot, they practically do not darken, do not lose color and smell.
Other uses of sodium orthophenylphenol:
- agricultural industry (containers for storing grain are treated with a solution);
- chemical industry (as a reagent, as well as an element in the production of resins, chemical rubber and some fungicides, disinfectants for public institutions, such as laundries, hospitals and hairdressers);
- production of sprays and deodorants.
Benefit or harm of an additive: impact on human health
During the study of orthophenylphenol sodium salt, no beneficial properties for the human body were found. But there were many negative consequences of its use. The substance in its pure form can cause allergies, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, esophagus, even in small quantities. As a result, chemical burns and serious tissue damage may occur. In addition to powerful allergic reactions, contact with the additive is dangerous with the appearance of nausea, vomiting, convulsions, in asthmatics – asthma attacks.
The maximum daily dosage allowed for an adult is no more than 0,2 mg per 1 kilogram of body weight. Nevertheless, doctors and scientists advise avoiding its use. Before eating fruits and vegetables, especially imported ones, they must be thoroughly washed under running water.
Children, allergies, the elderly and those who suffer from asthma, pregnant and lactating women should not use the supplement.
In Ukraine, the use of food additive E232 for cooking is prohibited. In Russia, it is allowed to be used only for surface treatment of off-season fruits and vegetables. The situation is similar in Canada, the United States and the states of the European Union – there are only limits on the content of sodium orthophenylphenol in products.
The additive works as a powerful preservative without affecting the taste, smell or appearance of the food it comes in contact with. That is why it is appreciated by companies specializing in the collection and transportation of popular fruits (citrus fruits, apples, pears, peaches), which can then go to different parts of the world. Treatment with E232 solution acts as a guarantee that the fruits will not rot on the way to their destination.
In addition to the food industry, the substance is used in the chemical, agricultural and perfume industries. Considering its toxicity and insecurity, it is likely that after some time the sodium salt of orthophenylphenol will remain in human everyday life only as an element of various technical materials and processes.