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E234PreservativeLow concern
Nisin
In plain words
The short version
A natural antimicrobial peptide from cheese bacteria — preserves processed cheese and canned foods.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI 1 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as nisin A (EFSA, 2017). JECFA's ADI is 0–2 mg/kg body weight, set in 2013 and reaffirmed in 2024 for nisin A. Being a peptide, it is digested like any dietary protein. Long history of safe use with no significant concerns at permitted levels.
The detail
A natural antimicrobial peptide (bacteriocin) produced by Lactococcus lactis — the same bacterium used to make cheese. In food use since the 1950s.
Preservative that inhibits Gram-positive bacteria and spore-formers such as Clostridium and Listeria. Common in processed and spreadable cheese, canned vegetables, and some dairy and meat products.
Off-white powder; a 34-amino-acid lantibiotic peptide, most active under acidic conditions and stable to heat.
Permitted in the EU, the US (GRAS for specified uses), and in more than 50 countries.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Safety of nisin (E 234) as a food additive in the light of new toxicological data and the proposed extension of use (2017), EFSA Journal 15(12):5063, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5063 — European Food Safety Authority, 2017. EFSA ADI 1 mg/kg bw per day (replacing 0.13)
- WHO JECFA database — Nisin A (INS 234), 99th meeting (2024) and 77th meeting (2013) — World Health Organization / JECFA, 2024. JECFA ADI 0–2 mg/kg bw, reaffirmed 2024 for nisin A
- 21 CFR 184.1538 — Nisin preparation (GRAS affirmation) — U.S. eCFR / FDA. US GRAS for specified uses (pasteurized cheese spreads)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives (Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008) — EUR-Lex / European Union, 2011. EU authorisation in specific foods
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.