E214 · Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E214?
Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (ethylparaben) is a paraben-class preservative used to inhibit yeasts and moulds in food. JECFA and EFSA have set a group acceptable daily intake of 0-10 mg/kg body weight per day for methyl- and ethyl-parabens combined, and many countries permit its use in specific foods with maximum levels. Some regions do not authorise it for direct addition to food.
Also appears on labels as: Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Ethylparaben, Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid ester, E214, E 214, E-214, Food preservative ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester, Preservative E214, Ethyl parabens, Etilparabenas.
What the evidence says
- Parabens show weak endocrine (hormone-mimicking) activity in laboratory studies; current food-use limits are set to account for this.
- Occasional contact allergy reported, mainly from cosmetic use; reactions from dietary exposure are rare.
Frequently asked questions
Is E214 safe?
Our overall verdict for E214 (Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E214 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E214 and why is it used?
Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (ethylparaben) is a paraben-class preservative used to inhibit yeasts and moulds in food. JECFA and EFSA have set a group acceptable daily intake of 0-10 mg/kg body weight per day for methyl- and ethyl-parabens combined, and many countries permit its use in specific foods with maximum levels. Some regions do not authorise it for direct addition to food.
Does E214 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, though some people report sensitivity (paraben sensitivity).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.