Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
A controversial paraben preservative; best limited.
- Category
- Preservatives
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A sodium salt of ethylparaben used as an anti-fungal preservative.
How it is used in food
The sodium salt of ethylparaben is a broad-spectrum preservative, particularly effective against yeasts and moulds, and it works across a wider pH range than benzoates or sorbates — including in near-neutral foods where those fail. The sodium salt form is used because it dissolves in water, unlike the parent paraben.
Commonly found in- Confectionery
- Snacks
- Pâtés
Health and safety
Parabens have raised concerns regarding endocrine disruption; EU permits it under tight restrictions.
EFSA set a group ADI of 0 to 10 mg per kg of body weight per day for methyl and ethyl parabens combined, and specifically declined to include propylparaben because it affected reproductive hormones in young rats. Ethyl and methyl parabens have far weaker oestrogenic activity than the longer-chain ones, and the widely cited breast-tissue studies concerned cosmetic use, not diet — but with permitted food uses now few, avoiding it is straightforward.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E215
Worth knowing
Parabens occur naturally: methylparaben is found in blueberries, where it acts as the plant's own antimicrobial. The controversy attaches to the longer-chain members, and regulators have treated them very differently — the EU delisted propyl parabens (E216 and E217) as food additives in 2006 while keeping the methyl and ethyl forms under tight limits.
Conclusion
A controversial paraben preservative; best limited.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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