Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (E218)
- Food Fine
What is Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (E218)?
Methylparaben (E218) is a paraben preservative that stops mould and bacteria in foods. Normal amounts stay well below levels linked to harm, and the weak hormone-like effects seen in lab and high-dose animal studies are inconsistent. It's fine at normal amounts.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate?
Yasno’s verdict on Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate allowed in the EU?
EU status of Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate: Listed in Yasno’s EU regulatory data, with no further details recorded. Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Listed in Yasno’s EU regulatory data, with no further details recorded | Regulated as a food additive by the US FDA |
What else is it called?
- Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
- METHYLPARABEN
- Methyl paraben
Sources
- Safety assessment of para-hydroxybenzoates and their salts, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2004
- SCCS assessment of methylparaben, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), European Commission, 2023
- Methylparaben: endocrine-disrupting properties and human health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 2017
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
Yasno reads the whole label from a photo and explains every ingredient like this. It is coming soon to the App Store.