E219 · Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Use caution
- Japan
- Use caution
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E219?
Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium methylparaben) is a paraben-class preservative used to inhibit yeasts and moulds. In the EU/UK it is authorised alongside methylparaben (E218) with category-specific maximum levels. EFSA/JECFA include it in a group acceptable daily intake of 0-10 mg/kg body weight per day for methyl- and ethyl-parabens and their salts. Some jurisdictions, such as the US, authorise methylparaben itself for food but do not separately list the sodium salt.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium methylparaben, Methylparaben sodium salt, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester sodium salt, Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate sodium, E219, E 219, E-219, Paraben (methyl, sodium salt), Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate preservative, Natrio metilparabenas, Nātrija metilparabēns.
What the evidence says
- Parabens show weak endocrine (hormone-mimicking) activity in some laboratory studies; current acceptable daily intakes account for this.
- Contact allergy is mainly a cosmetic/dermal issue; dietary reactions are rare.
Frequently asked questions
Is E219 safe?
Our overall verdict for E219 (Sodium methyl 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: use caution; Japan: use caution; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E219 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium methyl 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 E219 and why is it used?
Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium methylparaben) is a paraben-class preservative used to inhibit yeasts and moulds. In the EU/UK it is authorised alongside methylparaben (E218) with category-specific maximum levels. EFSA/JECFA include it in a group acceptable daily intake of 0-10 mg/kg body weight per day for methyl- and ethyl-parabens and their salts. Some jurisdictions, such as the US, authorise methylparaben itself for food but do not separately list the sodium salt.
Does E219 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium methyl 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.