Nisin
Also known as: E234
Nisin is a naturally produced bacteriocin used as a preservative for over 50 years. EFSA established an ADI of 1 mg/kg bw/day.
What it is
Nisin: a polypeptide antimicrobial produced by Lactococcus lactis. Used as natural preservative.
Antimicrobial preservative against gram-positive bacteria including Clostridium botulinum.
Why it's flagged
- theoretical concern about gut microbiota effects
- rare allergy
What regulators actually say
"Nisin preparation... is generally recognized as safe... in pasteurized cheese spreads complying with the standards of identity in part 133 of this chapter."
"An ADI of 1 mg nisin A/kg bw per day for nisin (E 234) was calculated applying a default uncertainty factor of 200 for extrapolation of subchronic to chronic exposure and inter- and intra-species variability."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 184.1538) for use in pasteurized processed cheese spreads.
European Union — EFSA
Approved (E 234); ADI of 1 mg nisin A/kg bw/day.
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