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E214PreservativeModerate concern
Ethyl p-Hydroxybenzoate
In plain words
The short version
An ethyl paraben preservative — one of the few parabens still permitted in EU food use.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
ADI of 10 mg/kg body weight (combined methyl, ethyl, and their salts; EFSA 2004). Parabens have weak estrogen-mimicking activity in vitro; the human relevance at food-additive exposure is contested. EFSA withdrew approval for propyl- and butyl-parabens (E216, E217) in 2006 based on testicular and developmental concerns.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.