YenzoWhat is ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E214)?
It is ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (ethylparaben), an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid in the paraben group. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT classes it as a preservative.
E214Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
E214 is ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (ethylparaben), an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid from the paraben family. In food it holds back yeasts and moulds.
- Code
- E214 · INS 214
- Group
- Preservative
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2004
How E214 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (214), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (214)preservative 214E214INS 214On Vietnamese labels: Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoat
Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate in food
Processed cheeseDairy dessertsFat spreadsJams, jellies, fruit products
Pickled and fermented vegetables
Sweets, chewing gumFine bakery productsSauces, mustard, vinegarFlavoured drinks, coffee, teaQuestions about ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Is ethylparaben harmful?
In 2004 EFSA set a full group ADI of 0–10 mg/kg body weight per day for the sum of the methyl and ethyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and their sodium salts, based on a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg body weight per day for each compound in long-term studies and in studies on sex hormones and the male reproductive organs in juvenile rats.
Is E214 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (INS 214) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function preservative.
Other preservatives
E211Sodium benzoatelowE212Potassium benzoatelowE213Calcium benzoatelowE215Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE216Propyl p-hydroxybenzoatehighE217Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoatehigh
See all preservatives →Updated 21 October 2026