Ethyl P-Hydroxybenzoate
Also known as: E214, Ethylparaben, ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate
EFSA established a group ADI of 0-10 mg/kg body weight for sum of methyl and ethyl parabens in 2004 but withdrew this for propyl parabens due to endocrine concerns. Parabens are weak xenoestrogens; ethylparaben is generally considered the safer paraben in food, but EU use is restricted (E214-E219 family was reduced).
What it is
Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (ethylparaben), a paraben preservative.
Antimicrobial preservative against fungi and yeasts.
Why it's flagged
- Weak xenoestrogenic activity (parabens class)
- Possible skin sensitization in cosmetic use
What regulators actually say
"The Panel established a full group ADI for the sum of methyl and ethyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters and their sodium salts of 0-10 mg/kg bw/day."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Listed as preservative; ethylparaben is GRAS for food.
European Union — EFSA
Group ADI 0-10 mg/kg bw established (2004); E216/E217 propyl parabens withdrawn.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app