Sodium Ethylparaben
The short version
The sodium salt of ethylparaben — permitted in a few EU food categories; the 2006 EU removal linked to hormone effects concerned the propyl forms (E 216, E 217), not this salt.
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 0–10 mg/kg body weight (combined methyl + ethyl parabens + their sodium salts, EFSA 2004). Weakly estrogen-receptor active in vitro at high concentrations — the human-dietary relevance remains debated. Considered lower-risk than propylparaben (E 216) and its sodium salt (E 217), which the EU withdrew in 2006.
Sources
- EFSA — Opinion of the AFC Panel related to para hydroxybenzoates (E 214-219) (2004) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), AFC Panel, 2004. EFSA 2004 safety evaluation of E 214–219 (basis of the group ADI)
- WHO JECFA database — Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (INS 214) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1973 (group revised 2006). Group ADI 0–10 mg/kg bw for ethyl + methyl parabens; propyl excluded in 2006
- Directive 2006/52/EC amending Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners and Directive 94/35/EC on sweeteners (parabens provisions) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2006. 2006 EU changes: propyl forms withdrawn over hormone effects; methyl/ethyl kept in group ADI; liquid supplement use withdrawn
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2011. E 215 is in the EU p-hydroxybenzoates group, authorised in a limited set of food categories
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.