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E218PreservativeModerate concern
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate
In plain words
The short version
A methyl paraben preservative — historically the most common paraben, now restricted 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). Weak estrogenic activity reported in vitro; the relevance at food-additive levels is debated. Some studies have found parabens in human breast tissue, which raised public concern but is not in itself evidence of harm.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.