Orthophenylphenol is used in the food industry exclusively for the preservation of citrus fruits. The substance has fungicidal and antimicrobial properties. Orthophenylphenol was authorised for this purpose under number E 231. In the meantime, the EU approval of orthophenylphenol as a food additive has become controversial.
Orthophenylphenol in the cosmetics industry: Orthophenylphenol is also used in the cosmetics industry as a preservative for cosmetics.