Comparing E235 - Natamycin vs E216 - Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 4,349 products
Found in 77 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is natamycin in cheese?
A natural antifungal preservative (E235) applied to the surface of cheeses to prevent mold and yeast growth; it stays near the rind and has minimal penetration or effect on flavor.
Natamycin what is it?
Natamycin (E235) is a polyene antifungal produced by Streptomyces, used in foods to inhibit molds/yeasts and also as a topical antifungal medicine.
How natamycin works?
It binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, disrupting their function and stopping mold and yeast growth; it doesn’t act on bacteria because they lack ergosterol.
Is natamycin an antibiotic?
Yes—it's an antifungal antibiotic (polyene), but in foods it’s used specifically to control molds and yeasts and isn’t active against bacteria.
Why did whole foods ban natamycin?
Whole Foods excludes natamycin under its ingredient standards that avoid certain preservatives/antimicrobial agents; this is a retailer policy choice rather than a regulatory safety ban.
Is propylparaben safe?
At the low levels used in foods it’s considered safe by some regulators (e.g., FDA recognizes it as GRAS), but it is not permitted as a food additive in the EU.
Is propylparaben bad?
At permitted food-use levels it isn’t considered harmful by regulators that allow it; however, it is no longer authorized for use as a food additive in the EU.
What is propylparaben used for?
It’s an antimicrobial preservative (especially against molds and yeasts) used to extend shelf life in foods, and is also widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Are methylparaben and propylparaben safe?
Both are considered safe at the low levels allowed in foods by some regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS), but neither is currently authorized as a food additive in the EU.
Does propylparaben cause cancer?
There’s no good evidence that propylparaben causes cancer in humans, and major reviews have not classified it as carcinogenic; it shows weak estrogen-like activity in lab tests at doses far above typical dietary exposure.