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E219PreservativeModerate concern
Sodium Methylparaben
In plain words
The short version
The sodium salt of methylparaben — water-soluble paraben for low-pH preservation in narrow applications.
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 0–10 mg/kg body weight (combined with E218 and other permitted parabens). The methyl form has the weakest endocrine signal of the paraben family in in-vitro studies; methyl and ethyl parabens remain EU-permitted, while the propyl forms (E 216, E 217) were withdrawn in 2006.
The detail
Produced by neutralizing methyl p-hydroxybenzoate with sodium hydroxide. The salt form improves water solubility for syrup and aqueous-system preservation.
In the EU, used in a few food categories, such as confectionery, decorations and coatings, snacks, coated nuts, pâté and jelly coatings of meat products; its use in liquid food supplements was withdrawn in 2006. Also used in pharmaceutical syrups. Like the other parabens, it provides broad-spectrum activity against fungi at low concentrations across a wide pH range — its strength in non-acidic foods where benzoates lose efficacy.
White crystalline powder. Very soluble in water (much more than methyl paraben). Stable across the typical food pH range.
Permitted in the EU and most jurisdictions for specific applications.
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 — Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (INS 218) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1973 (group revised 2006). Group ADI 0–10 mg/kg bw for methyl + ethyl parabens
- 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. EU withdrawal of paraben use in liquid food supplements (2006)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2011. E 219 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.