YenzoWhat is E235 (natamycin)?
It is natamycin (also called pimaricin), a preservative. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists natamycin (INS 235) as a preservative.
E235Natamycin
E235 is natamycin (pimaricin), an antifungal made by Streptomyces bacteria during fermentation. In food it holds back moulds and yeasts on the surface of cheese and dry sausages.
- Code
- E235 · INS 235
- Group
- Preservative
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E235 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (235), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (235)preservative 235E235INS 235On Vietnamese labels: Natamycin
Natamycin in food
Questions about natamycin
Is natamycin harmful?
In 2024 JECFA (the FAO/WHO expert committee) re-affirmed the ADI of 0–0.3 mg/kg body weight per day for natamycin. It concluded that there is no concern for the induction of antimicrobial resistance and that the risk of disrupting the gut microbiome is low.
Is E235 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Natamycin (INS 235) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as a preservative.
Can children and pregnant women have E235?
In 2006 JECFA (the FAO/WHO expert committee) noted that intake estimates, including for high-intake consumers and children, show the ADI of 0–0.3 mg/kg body weight per day for natamycin is unlikely to be exceeded. The record does not mention pregnant women separately. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other preservatives
E228Potassium hydrogen sulphitehighE230Biphenyl (diphenyl)highE231Orthophenyl phenolmoderateE232Sodium orthophenyl phenolmoderateE234Nisinvery lowE239Hexamethylene tetraminemoderate
See all preservatives →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e235)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A (natamycin, INS 235)
- JECFA (FAO/WHO) evaluation database: Natamycin, INS 235