Parabens
E214, E215, E218, E219
E214, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethylparaben, E215, sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium ethylparaben, E218, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, methylparaben, E219, sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium methylparaben, para-hydroxybenzoates, parabens, PHB, parabenos, etilparabeno, metilparabeno
What it is
A group of synthetic compounds widely used as chemical preservatives in food and cosmetics.
Why BOTIA flags it
Parabens do not all have the same evidence. EFSA set one intake limit for methylparaben, ethylparaben and their sodium salts. It could not set one for propylparaben. The EU later removed E216 and E217 from food use.
BOTIA CAN
- Spot E214, E215, E218 or E219 on the label.
- E214, E215, E218 and E219 share an EFSA intake limit. E216 and E217 were removed from EU food use. Finding an authorised paraben does not prove a fertility effect.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Assess the cumulative exposure or 'cocktail effect' of multiple parabens present in the diet.
- Determine the precise concentration of the preservative in the food matrix.