YenzoWhat is E218 (methyl p-hydroxybenzoate)?
It is methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, E218 in the preservative group.
E218Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
E218 is methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), an ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid from the paraben family. In food it holds back yeasts and moulds.
- Code
- E218 · INS 218
- 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 E218 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (218), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (218)preservative 218E218INS 218On Vietnamese labels: Methyl para-hydroxybenzoat
Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in food
Processed cheeseJams, pickled and dried fruit
Pickled and fermented vegetables
Sweets, chewing gumSmall baked goodsPrepared fish and seafoodSauces, mustard, vinegarFlavoured drinksSnacks, processed nutsQuestions about methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Is methyl p-hydroxybenzoate harmful?
JECFA (the FAO/WHO expert committee) set a group ADI of 0–10 mg/kg body weight per day, as the sum of the ethyl and methyl p-hydroxybenzoates (evaluated in 1973).
Is E218 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (INS 218) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function preservative.