Food Additives Encyclopedia

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sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese namesodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate
English namesodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate
INS/E numberINS 219
Functional classPreservative
Year adoptedTo be added.
Approved byEuropean Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (INS 219) is the sodium salt of methylparaben with the best water solubility, used as a paraben preservative in liquid or neutral food systems.

Source ​

Industrial：甲酯与氢氧化钠中和、干燥制得食品级钠盐

Why is it used? ​

  • Antimicrobial (moulds, yeasts, some bacteria)
  • Best water solubility for formulation
  • Used in liquid and neutral foods
  • Extends shelf life
  • Synergistic with longer-chain parabens

Common Foods ​

  • Beverages
  • Sauces
  • Confectionery
  • Some bakery
  • Dairy products

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0-10 mg/kg bw (as p-hydroxybenzoic acid, total parabens)

Concerns：

  • 潜在内分泌干扰讨论
  • 部分法域对尼泊金酯有限制
  • 增加钠负荷

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760（按具体批准品种管理）

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 (E 219, 部分法域限制)
  • FDA 一般未普遍批准为食品防腐剂
  • Codex GSFA (INS 219)
  • FSANZ Food Standards Code (Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 219)
  • 日本等部分国家允许使用

In a nutshell ​

Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate is the most water-soluble sodium paraben, with safety equivalent to methylparaben.

Consumer Advice ​

Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate is the sodium salt of methyl paraben, used as a preservative. China's GB 2760 allows it in a few foods, such as soy sauce, vinegar and jam, under strict limits, while the EU has withdrawn all paraben authorisations for food. Its safety profile and allergy concerns match those of methyl paraben. The risk within permitted uses is very low, so consumers should simply choose compliant products.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer ​

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.