Sodium Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate
Also known as: E219, sodium methylparaben
Parabens including E218/E219 had their EFSA ADI lowered to 0 mg/kg bw/day for propyl/sodium propyl parabens in 2004; methylparaben/E218 retains a group ADI but use has been restricted. Concerns include potential endocrine-disrupting effects observed in some studies.
What it is
Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (sodium methylparaben) — the sodium salt of methylparaben, a paraben preservative.
Antimicrobial preservative.
Why it's flagged
- paraben preservative
- potential endocrine disrupting activity in some studies
- EU has narrowed permitted uses
What regulators actually say
"The Panel established a group ADI of 0–10 mg/kg bw per day for the sum of methyl and ethyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters and their sodium salts."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Methylparaben is GRAS as a chemical preservative under 21 CFR 184.1490; no specific listing for the sodium salt but used similarly.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA (2004) established group ADI of 0–10 mg/kg bw/day for methyl- and ethyl-paraben (E 218, E 219, E 214, E 215); withdrew ADI for propyl/sodium propyl paraben.
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