It is a biocide used as a preservative with E number E231 and under the trade names Dowicide, Torsite, Fungal, Preventol, Nipacide and many others.

It is no longer a permitted food additive in the European Union, but is still allowed as a post-harvest treatment in 4 EU countries.

It is a general surface disinfectant, used in households, hospitals, nursing homes, farms, laundries, barber shops, and food processing plants.

It is also used in the manufacture of other fungicides, dye stuffs, resins and rubber chemicals.

[5] Orthophenyl phenol is also used as a fungicide in food packaging and may migrate into the contents.