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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
The methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The smallest of the paraben homologs and historically the most widely used due to low cost and broad antimicrobial spectrum.
In the EU, food use is limited to specific foods, such as jelly coatings of meat products, pâté, surface treatment of dried meat products, some confectionery, snacks and coated nuts. Dominant remaining use is in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
White crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in cold water, soluble in ethanol. Most active in protonated form at low pH.
Permitted in the EU only in restricted food categories. Broader use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals continues with maximum levels.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (INS 218), group ADI 0–10 mg/kg bw (1973; propylparaben excluded 2006) — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1973. Group ADI 0–10 mg/kg bw for methyl + ethyl esters
- EFSA — 'EFSA advises on the safety of paraben usage in food' (news on the AFC Panel opinion on E 214-219, 29 September 2004) — European Food Safety Authority, 2004. EFSA 2004 group ADI 0–10 mg/kg bw for methyl and ethyl parabens and their sodium salts
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated text of 18 August 2026 (Annex II) — European Union (Publications Office), 2026. EU: permitted only in restricted food categories
- eCFR — 21 CFR 184.1490 Methylparaben (GRAS) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration / Office of the Federal Register, 1984. US: GRAS antimicrobial, GMP maximum 0.1% in food
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.