E234 · Nisin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E234?
Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by fermenting the bacterium Lactococcus lactis, used to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria, in dairy products, processed meats, and canned foods. It's heat-stable and effective at very low concentrations, so it's often used in pasteurized or heat-processed foods to extend shelf life without changing taste or texture. It's approved as safe by the FDA and EFSA. Since it's a protein-based peptide, it is generally broken down by digestion like other dietary proteins.
Also appears on labels as: Nisin, E234, E 234, E-234, INS 234, Nisin A, Nisin Z, Food Preservative (Nisin), Natural Preservative Nisin, Antimicrobial Peptide Nisin, Bacteriocin Nisin, Nisin Concentrate.
What the evidence says
- Rare reports of allergic-type sensitivity, since nisin is a peptide derived from bacterial fermentation.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; long-term high-dose human data is more limited than for older, more established preservatives.
Research behind the verdict
- Nisin (E234) – Natural Antimicrobial Peptide — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2017). Generally recognized as safe; no ADI specified; effective against Gram-positive bacteria; widely used in dairy and canned foods.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E234 safe?
Our overall verdict for E234 (Nisin) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E234 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Nisin — 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 E234 and why is it used?
Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by fermenting the bacterium Lactococcus lactis, used to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria, in dairy products, processed meats, and canned foods. It's heat-stable and effective at very low concentrations, so it's often used in pasteurized or heat-processed foods to extend shelf life without changing taste or texture. It's approved as safe by the FDA and EFSA. Since it's a protein-based peptide, it is generally broken down by digestion like other dietary proteins.
Does E234 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Nisin.
Watch E234
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Nisin changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.