Food Additives Encyclopedia

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diphenyl (biphenyl) ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese namediphenyl (biphenyl)
English namediphenyl (biphenyl)
INS/E numberINS 230
Functional classPreservative
Year adopted1974
Approved byEuropean Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Diphenyl (biphenyl) is an aromatic hydrocarbon used mainly as a fungistat applied to the surface of citrus fruits to inhibit moulds such as Penicillium.

Source ​

Industrial：苯经催化脱氢或环己烷脱氢芳构化制得

Why is it used? ​

  • Inhibits mould growth on citrus peel
  • Extends post-harvest shelf life of fruit
  • Used in fruit-packaging paper or wax coatings
  • Applied as a fumigant or surface treatment

Common Foods ​

  • Citrus fruit (orange, lemon, grapefruit) surface treatment
  • Fruit-packaging papers
  • Fruit wax coatings
  • Some dried fruit surfaces

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0-0.05 mg/kg bw

Concerns：

  • 仅用于水果表皮，不可食用部分
  • 过量有毒性，需在果皮残留限量内
  • 欧盟等地区已严格限制或禁用

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》（限柑橘类水果保鲜）

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex III (E 230, 限柑橘类水果表面处理，部分使用受限)
  • FDA 21 CFR 172.210 (Biphenyl for citrus fruit treatment)
  • Codex GSFA (INS 230)
  • Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Biphenyl)
  • JECFA Monograph (ADI 0-0.05 mg/kg bw)

In a nutshell ​

Diphenyl is a fungistat restricted to citrus peel, with safety depending on strict surface-residue control.

Consumer Advice ​

Biphenyl (diphenyl) is a fungistatic agent applied to the skin of citrus fruit such as oranges and lemons to prevent mould during transport and storage; it is not added directly to food. It is not an authorised direct food additive in the EU or China. Washing fruit thoroughly or peeling it before eating removes most residues. At regulated levels the risk is negligible, but the peel is best not eaten.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer ​

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.